Emerging investigators showcase new research at CTN workshop

Held on Friday 21 August on the Gold Coast, the Emerging Investigator Prize Session provided a dedicated forum for new and emerging clinician-researchers to showcase proposed research, strengthen their ideas through peer feedback and build connections across the network.

The session directly supports the CTN’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan commitment to structured mentorship, peer review and early investigator support, helping to strengthen the research workforce and leadership pipeline. The prize also aims to foster innovation and academic excellence in anaesthesia, pain and perioperative medicine, while supporting succession planning for the next generation of clinical trial investigators.

Four investigators presented new proposals spanning perioperative analgesia, paediatric pain, obstetric haemorrhage, cardiac surgery and myocardial injury. Presenters were able to test their research questions, study design and feasibility with field experts, experienced investigators, pain medicine specialists, research coordinators, methodologists and statisticians from across the CTN.

At the conference dinner, ANZCA President Dr Tanya Selak congratulated Dr Sarah Lee, winner of the 2026 Emerging Investigator Prize for her proposal, Comparative effectiveness of intrathecal morphine versus intravenous methadone in major abdominal surgery: A single-centre, randomised, open-label, parallel-group feasibility trial.

The A$1000 prize is generously supported by the ANZCA Foundation.

Emerging investigators planning a pilot, feasibility study or multicentre research project are encouraged to contact the CTN Office to learn more about mentorship, research development support and opportunities to present developing research at future workshops.

Banner image (L–R): Dr Henry Wong (HK), Dr Sarah Lee (Vic), Dr Mandy Chu (HK) and Dr Julie Lee (Qld).