New ANZCA Clinical Trials Network strategic plan

We are pleased to share the CTN’s new strategic plan 2026-2029, which reflects a period of transition and growth for the network. The plan has been informed by extensive network-wide consultation, including national surveys, SWOT analyses, strategic planning discussions and input from investigators, research coordinators, the CTN Executive, the Anaesthesia Research Co-ordinators Network Sub-committee and ANZCA leaders. This plan builds on the legacy of our founding Executive members whilst supporting the next generation of emerging leaders. Despite the challenges of recent years, including the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CTN has continued to grow its activities and strengthen its position as a leading perioperative research network.

This plan responds to a rapidly changing research environment, including increasing regulatory complexity, workforce pressures, declining competitive funding success rates and the need for more efficient, scalable trial models. It sets out a clear and practical direction for the next four years, combining achievable performance indicators with an aspirational vision for what a strong, sustainable and internationally leading perioperative research network can be.

High-quality clinical research remains central to improving patient outcomes and ensuring safe, effective and equitable care in anaesthesia, perioperative and pain medicine. As the clinical trials delivery arm of ANZCA’s research mission, the CTN brings together fellows, trainees, research coordinators and investigators across Australia and New Zealand to deliver large-scale, multicentre trials that inform clinical practice, policy and guidelines.

Central priorities of the plan are sustainability and engagement. This plan calls for stronger advocacy, more sustainable funding models, and structured pathways to support the next generation of research coordinators, emerging investigators and trial leaders. We are emphasising strengthened connections across the network, including with ANZCA and FPM fellows and trainees, collaborators, the broader workforce, with patients through consumer engagement, and future research leaders through active mentoring and development.

The CTN’s strategic plan aligns with ANZCA’s Strategic Plan 2026–2028 and directly supports ANZCA’s strategic pillar of improved patient outcomes. Our vision is:

To be the leading perioperative clinical trials network in the world, delivering transformative evidence that leads to improved patient outcomes, strengthens research capability and enhances research literacy across the specialty.

The CTN strategic vision encompasses delivering world-class clinical trials, a diverse and inclusive research community, strong governance and system impact, and long-term financial and organisational resilience.

Professor Tomas Corcoran and Ms Karen Goulding on behalf of the CTN Executive.