Annual workshop, events and webinars
Annual CTN strategic research workshops
Every year the CTN Executive together with the Anaesthesia Research Coordinators Network Sub-committee, and ANZCA CTN, Events and Communications teams, run a strategic research workshop with the aim to bring together people across the network who have an interest in facilitating clinical trials in anaesthesia, pain and perioperative medicine.
The key aims of the workshop is provide opportunities for delegates to network and collaborate on new research ideas, as well as provide feedback to investigators presenting new research proposals. These workshops have been instrumental in refining research protocols from basic scientific concepts, and pilot and feasibility studies through to large multicentre research protocols. This is to optimise the studies in terms scientific merit, novelty and rigour, and to ensure the study is feasible to run across our network of hospital sites and address research priorities in our field to enhance funding opportunities through the ANZCA Foundation research grant program and large competitive grants.
2023 CTN Strategic Research Workshop
The 15th Annual CTN Strategic Research Workshop will be held in Coogee, New South Wales from 3 to 6 August 2023. Visit the event webpage for the latest updates.
CTN program at the 2023 ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting

We have an exciting program as part of the ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held in Sydney, New South Wales from 5 to 9 May 2023. Registrations are now open. We look forward to seeing you there!
New concepts in clinical trials
Saturday 6 May 3.35-5pm
Chairs: Professor Tomas Corcoran, WA and Dr Amy Gaskell, NZ.
- Professor Duminda Wijeysundera, Canada: Larger and smarter randomised trials in anaesthesia - and why we need to make sure they ask the right questions.
- Dr Doug Campbell, NZ: Registry trials.
- Professor Steven Webb, WA: Adaptive platform trials.
- Ms Sophie Wallace, Vic: Consumer engagement for anaesthesia trials.
- Q&A with the panel.
CTN late breaking trials
Monday 8 May 1.30-2.55pm
We will present the latest results of CTN studies during this session.
Using observational data sets to explore causation: How to make your DAG (workshop)
Friday 5 May 12.15-1.15pm
Key facilitators: Professor Andrew Davidson and Professor Jamie Sleigh
Traditionally, observational data sets can only be used to discover associations and generate predictive models, shying away from ever assuming causation. However, using modern causal theory with tools such as Target Trials and Directional Acyclic Graphs (DAGs), these observational data can indeed be used to answer the crucial questions around causation. In this workshop you will learn how to generate Target Trials and DAGs. Attendees will be encouraged to bring their real-life questions to generate a Target Trial and associated DAG.
Past educational webinars
Recordings from our CTN educational sessions and foundation webinars are now available to watch.
The ANZCA Research Grant program
A recording of the overview of the ANZCA Research Grant program presented by Professor David A. Scott on 15 February 2022 is now available to watch.
Duration: 62 mins approx.
Themes covered include:
- The ANZCA research grant program – an overview
- Grant categories and eligibility criteria
- The peer review process
- Success rates
- How to succeed
- What makes a successful application?
- Tips and tricks from the experts
- Resources available to applicants
- Mentoring opportunities for novice investigators
- Research support tool kit (ANZCA Library)
- CTN workshops: peer-review and feedback for pilot and multicentre trials.
ANZCA library support and resources for researchers
A recording of the ANZCA library support for researchers webinar held by the CTN on 28 June 2022, presented by John Prentice (ANZCA Library Manager) and Kathryn Rough (ANZCA Research Librarian) is now available to watch.
Learn about the tools and services you can use to enhance your research skills, expand your research profile and promote your research outcomes. John and Kathryn guide you through the resources and expert knowledge available through the ANZCA Library. Highlights will include an overview of Research Support Toolkit, literature searching, Research Consultation Service, the ANZCA Institutional Research Repository (AIRR), and the new Professional Practice Research guide.
Duration: 54 mins approx.
University Pathways for ANZCA Emerging Researchers
A recording of the University Pathways for ANZCA Emerging Researchers webinar held by the ANZCA Foundation on 14 April 2022 is now available to watch.
Professor Dave Story (University of Melbourne) and Professor Kirsty Forrest (Bond University, Brisbane), discuss the importance of formal research qualifications, and the growth of anaesthetist and pain medicine physician-led university-affiliated research. The event also features reflections by Associate Professor Jai Darvall, touching on the important role being played by ANZCA research grants and scholarships in supporting the development of researchers in anaesthesia, pain and perioperative medicine.
Duration: 72 mins approx.