Testimonials
Consumer Engagement in Clinical Trials
“Very insightful workshop. Hopefully we can start to implement some of these strategies to engage consumers in having their say in the clinical trial space.”
Bernadette Sheldon, Clinical trial Coordinator/Research Nurse, NSW Health“The session was extremely informative and covered a very broad area which was great. The combination of the presentation, discussion and resources to back up how to take the information further in many areas was really helpful.”
Sally Herring, Clinical Project Manager, Bionics Institute“This workshop provided a comprehensive understanding of consumer engagement in clinical trials in general. The facilitator was very knowledgeable and made you feel very comfortable and engaged in the workshop.”
Ella Knox, Close-Out study Coordinator, Cabrini Research“I really enjoyed the personal aspects Shyam addresses in the workshop and his passion for the topic. It’s so important to put the patient at the centre of all research and trials, as we do for clinical care. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the ‘why’ and Shyam did this exceptionally.”
Samantha Nind, Clinical Research Coordinator, QLD Health“Great interaction and was welcome to ask questions. Shyam related back to real life scenarios. Which was very helpful!”
Clinical Trials Coordinator, Molly Cronin, NSW Health
Clinical Trial SOPs Made Easy
- “Great, very informative. [The facilitator] was an amazing trainer – very engaged. I liked the examples used and the interactivity. Will take a lot from it and apply in my role.”
Iwona Brzeska, Clinical Research Support Officer, Flinders University
- “The topic was presented thoroughly and efficiently and with variation in delivery.”
Christine Cocks, Clinical Nurse Researcher, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service - “Very informative workshop that helps make SOP development an achievable task, not a daunting task. Great for site coordinators and investigators.”
Margaret-Ann Tait, Research Manager, University of Sydney - “Well-structured from background to implementation.”
Michelle Hall, DACRIN State-wide Coordinator, NSW Health - “Thanks for providing a comprehensive overview – helpful to look at how we can get our SOP, working instruction more streamline and manageable.”
Denise Brookes, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Queensland - “It was a great experience. I am more confident with the concept of SOPs and all the terminology and thinking that goes behind it.”
Rutvi Solanki, Pharmacy Assistant - “Very useful for the changes that are coming in Australia regarding conduct of clinical trials.”
Louise Jaensch, Clinical Trial Coordinator, SA Health
GCP for Devices: What You Need to Know
- “This workshop was exactly what I needed, as we make plans for clinical trials to support regulatory approval of our device. It reinforced and explained on things I already knew and opened my eyes to areas that I need to know more about. [The facilitator] was excellent, personable, and engaging. He provided plenty of practical examples and anecdotes from real world experience and I could see how my situation related to the GCP principles with the help of those ‘bridges to reality’.”
Julia, Wunderlich, Senior Clinical Research Fellow, Bionics Institute - “Yet another informative and interesting session. I would recommend this workshop to researchers and students working in health and medical sciences with an interest in medical devices, HREC members and secretariats, and any individual that might be involved with medical device related clinical trials. I always leave these sessions with a deeper understanding of the content, and the ways in which it will help me do my job.”
Alison Harwood, Human Research Ethics Officer, University of Adelaide - “Many thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise! I had reservations about attending without having much experience with clinical trials or medical device use (thinking it might have gone over my head) – but the information you presented was accessible and interesting (which is not always the case with the discussion of standards and regulation!). The anecdotal stories throughout also assisted in making some of the conceptual information more tangible. I really enjoyed the session and found real value in attending – thank you.”
Alison Harwood, HREC Officer, University of Adelaide
Ensuring Effective Project Management
- “The way it was delivered is really effective. The presenter was capable to keep our attention continuously until the end and presented it in such an interesting manner. Because I am managing the system releases in the department this knowledge will help me a lot, especially not coming from a project managing role. Learnt lots of new knowledge! thank you! “
Maneesha Kandamby, Data Systems Manager, ANZDATA - “I really enjoyed this workshop and found it useful in providing practical skills I can use in my everyday work. The facilitator was very knowledgeable and engaging.”
Carli Ellinghaus, Project Manager, Orygen - “What I found most beneficial about this project management course was the fact that it was in context of a clinical trials setting so it made the concepts and material more relevant, engaging and palatable. The icing on the cake was the section about self-management – an important message that can often be overlooked and made this course seem more people orientated, placing importance on the human aspect of this industry.”
Nuy Chau, Clinical Trials Coordinator, CSIRO - “I found this coarse very informative especially with helping me understand risk management and how to identify risk.”
Bernadette Sheldon, Clinical Trial Coordinator, NSW Health - “Great workshop covering the important aspects to consider for project management. Moving forward I am keen to implement a combination of focus management and the Eisenhower matrix. This workshop was a timely reminder of the importance of personal well-being in successful project management.”
Kelly Kratzing, Clinical Trials Project Manager, ALLG - “I thought the demonstrator was very knowledgeable and I was very interested in the sections on time management and vendor relationship management. I would recommend this workshop to any new staff members in a project management or project coordinator role.”
Rebecca Coetzee, Project Manager at Evrima
- “This workshop provided some great insights into various aspects of project management that are crucial for the overall success of a project. It covers everything from the stages of project management to taking care of your own well-being. [The facilitator’s] presentation demonstrated his expertise in this area and was clearly the result of years of experience.”
Lindley Mattiazzi, Clinical Trials Coordinator, USC
Privacy in Research: Fundamentals and Future Focus
- “The course was very relevant for researchers and HREC members. The flow charts used for determining consent will be well used in my roles.”
Justine Williams, Cardiac Research Coordinator & Quality Nurse, HREC Science Member - “I really appreciated that the workshop provided foundational knowledge on privacy regulations in Australia, on both a federal and state level before delving more specifically into the policies that need to be considered when conducting research. There was also a brief commentary on other international regulatory bodies and the requirements of Australian researchers when dealing with research partners governed by these. The workshop facilitator encouraged us to share specific issues or questions that we had relating to privacy, and she provided very context specific advice. This really helped tailor the information she was giving, and in my opinion, made the training very relevant to those undertaking the training. This was a very engaging and enjoyable workshop.”
Morgan Carlton, Clinical Research Coordinator, University of Queensland - “[The facilitator] was fantastic. The decision-making flowcharts for privacy use / disclosure are an excellent resource. I definitely feel more confident in my decision-making as navigating privacy law can be very intimidating.”
Research Governance Officer, Cabrini Research
Animal Research: Ethics in Practice
- “[The facilitator] is very knowledgeable in the topic of Animal Ethics and a pleasant communicator. Highly recommend all new researchers to engage with this workshop.”
Dr Edward Narayan, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, University of Queensland - “This workshop was very informative and interesting! It focused on many different parts of ethics application. Definitely recommend!”
Edwige Roy, PharmD/PhD, category B in animal ethics committee/Dr, Bellberry Ltd - “I enjoyed how knowledgeable [the facilitator] is on the topic of ethics in Australia and internationally. [The facilitator] simultaneously expressed the importance and complexity of legislative obligations without overloading the audience. The regulatory frameworks and codes within which we will be operating will continue to provide learning opportunities for all committee members. I’d recommend this workshop to anyone starting a position on an ethics committee and will espouse the benefits of the workshop to the other ethics committee I sit on.”
Hayley Findlay, Director Procollab: Natural Project Partner, Bellberry Ltd - “I very much enjoyed the breadth of the course and the great number of relevant topics covered so well in a relatively short amount of time. There were many pearls of wisdom throughout, the ones you only get from someone with years of experience in leadership positions at the highest level. A ‘must do’ course for anyone involved in or interested in ethical processes governing animal research in Australia.”
Marc Ruitenberg, Associate Professor, University of Queensland - “I found the practical application information very helpful and the opportunity to ask questions and discuss aspects of the topics covered.”
Janet Bradly, Research Ethics Officer, Australian National University - “Fantastic opportunity to ensure we are utilising best practice when it comes to understanding our roles and responsibilities as it relates to the oversight of use of animals in research and teaching. “
Justin Clarke, ANU Senior University Veterinarian - “It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with ethics cite members and secretariat face to face.”
Jenny Buchan, Emeritus Professor, University of NSW
- “The case studies were particularly useful and great engager of discussions. And everyone as well as the presenter sharing their experiences was very valuable too.”
Sharon Ding, Animal Ethics Committee Member, University of Canberra.
- “I’ve attended a couple of virtual workshops with PRAXIS Australia – really enjoy the experience and always come away with a better understanding of the topic and with thoughts on how to improve the processes in my job. This workshop was particularly helpful in understanding the monitoring process from start to finish (e.g. from new application to reporting monitoring findings to the institution).”
Alison Harwood, Human Research Ethics Officer/HREC Secretariat, University of Adelaide - “I would recommend this workshop, great for beginners to research monitoring like myself. Really re-iterated key points for me paramount to good research monitoring: – organisational skills – knowing your protocol – creating checklists such as tick box spreadsheets for inc/exc criteria, identified risks any anything else that will help study organisation. Lastly documentation and keeping trails of evidence for everything!”
Sylvia Dimmick, Clinical Trial and Research Coordinator, Alfred Health
- “This session provided me with the knowledge of things I need to be aware of when conducting internal audits in the clinical trials space.”
Shane Reeve, Monash Technology Research Platform Quality Manager, Monash University - “I would recommend the workshop for anyone who has oversight of research projects to ensure that they are meeting their obligations in relation to funding agreements, legislation and relevant codes and guidelines.”
Angela Astbury, Ethics Compliance Officer, WEHI - “[The facilitator] did a great job in getting through all the information presented.”
Louise Hutley, Senior Research Integrity Officer, University of Queensland - “Great session, I really enjoyed learning more about risk-based monitoring. [The facilitators] advice will be extraordinarily helpful in my future clinical monitoring endeavours.”
Claire Carnley, Clinical Project Officer, Telethon Kids Institute - “[The facilitator] was great. the content was well structured and interactive, and the session was relaxed and engaging.”
Jodie Marquez, HREC Chair, University of Newcastle - “I would definitely recommend to our Human Ethics research officer team and other areas within the institution responsible for clinical trials.”
Janet Brady, Research Ethics Officer (animal ethics), ANU Ethics Office, Australia National University - “The facilitator was a great teacher, very present person and delivered the information very effectively, and made everyone feel comfortable and able to participate, there was no bullying people into participating but everyone did because I think they were comfortable to do so thanks to the facilitator.”
Zac D’Alonzo, Clinical Trial Assistant, Linear
Unlocking the Potential of Your Research Team
- “I most enjoyed the points of the workshop where the participants were invited to reflect and take part in activities to apply the covered concepts in the context of their own workplaces. Hearing the perspectives of people in different roles was valuable. Excellent workshop prior to starting in a new team, gives valuable tools for establishing yourself as an active, creative and valuable team member. “
Jane Troup, Clinical Research Coordinator - “I gained great strategies from this workshop, very useful and practical for future roles.”
Dr Isabelle Mirlohi, Research Scientist, Macquarie University - “I liked the tick cross exercise and learning about key problems with research teams. I also liked the discussion around feedforward and how to navigate providing feedback. This will help me to manage current relational dynamics in the large team I work in. I would recommend this workshop to senior leaders in my organisation to learn about providing presence to their staff.”
Carli Ellinghaus, Project Manager, Orygen
- “This workshop was fantastic. The facilitator’s expertise had me engaged throughout. Every aspect of the workshop felt applicable to my work. I’ve gained valuable insights to bring back and implement with my team. I recommend this workshop to anyone working in a team environment!”
Talia McConville, Clinical Trial Liaison, NT Health
- “I enjoyed learning helpful tools to organize my tasks in order to effectively manage a clinical trial.”
Caitlin Laycox, PhD Researcher, Southern Cross University - “Both sessions were very informative and interactive. The topics covered everything I needed and even more – very happy with the workshop overall.”
Angie Roldan, Clinical Research Coordinator, Alfred Health - “Great course and charismatic speakers.”
Lauren Patten, Alfred Health - “This workshop gave me the tools and resources needed to better understand my start up process for my upcoming clinical trial, and really enjoyed the facilitator.”
Caitlin Laycox, PhD psychology researcher, Southern Cross University - “[The facilitator] is a great presenter with excellent knowledge and lived experience in clinical trials. The workshop assisted with further information of clinical trials to help with knowledge past the initial ‘what are trials’ phase. Great workshop.”
Mardi Cleggett, Manager, Clinical Trials and Research, Mildura Base Public Hospital - “The trainer was very knowledgeable and provided lived experiences as examples – this really helped provide context and understanding to the topics of discussion.”
Morgan Carlton, Clinical Research Coordinator, QLD Health - “I enjoyed the interactive section. I would recommend this workshop for anyone new to clinical trials.”
Kate Alexander, Research Manager, NSW Health - “Like several other attendees I felt reassured that I have a reasonable grasp of the key landmarks in the clinical trials landscape, but it was very valuable to actually add formal learning to my largely experiential knowledge base through this workshop. I really enjoyed Tim’s presentation style; the content was highly relevant to and accessible for all levels of experience. It was validating to see the complexity of both the field, and the roles of those who work within it, acknowledged and inspiring to have tools advocated, such as project management approaches, to help manage the many competing demands that are a feature of working on clinical trials. Tim’s emphasis on reflection as a critical skill, and the importance of permission to regularly make/take the time to reflect and process what we do, was a real highlight for me and will absolutely help me in my current role as a clinical research nurse. I would recommend this workshop to anyone working in clinical trials, whether novice or experienced, looking to develop or refresh their knowledge of the Australian clinical trials context.”
Bernadette Rickards, Clinical Research Nurse, University of Queensland - “Very informative. I enjoyed the interaction with the group and frequent breaks made the time fly.”
Judy Allen-Graham, Study Coordinator, Alfred Health - “This is a great course for someone starting working in Clinical Trials or just a refresher if someone is already working in the field.”
Iwona Brzeska, Clinical Research Support Officer, Flinders University - “The facilitator’s presentation was both engaging and informative.”
Kirsty Clissold, Clinical Trial Coordinator, USC - “This was very informative and I am sure quite helpful for junior to mid level coordinators. Though I think many at different career levels could benefit from the discussion and information present in some way.”
Mark Thomas, Senior Recruitment Associate, MEXEC - “A comprehensive presentation. I have gained usable information that I will be able to apply in my workplace.”
Kerry Lenton, Research Nurse, NSW Health
Unlocking the Potential of Your Research Team
- “I most enjoyed the points of the workshop where the participants were invited to reflect and take part in activities to apply the covered concepts in the context of their own workplaces. Hearing the perspectives of people in different roles was valuable. Excellent workshop prior to starting in a new team, gives valuable tools for establishing yourself as an active, creativeand valuable team member.”
Jane Troup, Clinical Research Coordinator - “I gained great strategies from this workshop, very useful and practical for future roles.”
Dr Isabelle Mirlohi, Research Scientist, Macquarie University - “I liked the tick cross exercise and learning about key problems with research teams. I also liked the discussion around feedforward and how to navigate providing feedback. This will help me to manage current relational dynamics in the large team I work in. I would recommend this workshop to senior leaders in my organisation to learn about providing presence to their staff.”
Carli Ellinghaus, Project Manager, Orygen - “This workshop was fantastic. Tim’s expertise had me engaged throughout. Every aspect of the workshop felt applicable to my work. I’ve gained valuable insights to bring back and implement with my team. I recommend this workshop to anyone working in a team environment!”
Talia McConville, Clinical Trial Liaison, NT Health
- “Thank you, PRAXIS, for bringing together leaders in the field of HRECs and encouraging a collaborative learning environment, with strong content delivery that was responsive to the needs of those attending. Thanks [to the facilitator] for great leadership.”
Jennifer Hughes, HREC member, Bellberry Ltd - “I found this workshop to be informative and timely for my situation where I’m moving into a chairing role. I particularly valued the discussion and insights about the role of the chair outside of the committee, as I was unsure what these expectations are. Now I have a clearer sense of these expectations and obligations. I’d recommend this session to those who are new to the role of chairing an HREC, or to people who have been in the chair role for a while and are looking to improve their practice or gain new ways of working.”
Committee Chair, Deakin University - “I found the Training for Committee Chairs virtual workshop to be an informative and timely session and I look forward to attending more PRAXIS workshops and courses.”
Anna Kilderry, HREC Chair, Deakin University
Optimising Your Research Budget
- “Thanks for a great session. It provided helpful tips on what to consider when negotiating a budget. The workshop also reinforced to trial coordinators to not underestimate their value and knowledge in the workplace and that it has to be factored into a trial budget.”
Danita Kapp, Clinical Trials Coordinator, Ramsay Health - “I enjoyed the group discussion and being to hear what other groups use in terms of resources and their processes. The course will definitely help with identity key points to include when budgeting and areas that maybe overlooked so that quality of the CTremains high. I believe coordinators and management teams will benefit from this workshop.”
Anita Lo, Clinical Trials Project Manager - “The Optimising Your Research Budget Workshop session was a great overview on creating and negotiating Sponsor Lead research budgets. The group size was great for actively sharing knowledge and tips and the session facilitator was highly knowledgeable and passionate. I have left the session more confident and knowledgeable which will definitely help me with future budget reviews and negotiations!”
Lauren Marshall, Clinical Project Lead, Paratus Clinical - “Very beneficial training especially for people new to trial and trial budget. The presenter was very knowledgeable and very articulate in the delivery of the materials.”
Rupali Saikia, Project Manager, Flinders University - “I came into this workshop with a good understanding of budgets already. This workshop solidified the work I was already doing and also gave me a few tips and tricks I could incorporate as well. I walked away with confidence in the work I was conducting at my site.”
Laura Hewson, Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, Southern Oncology Clinical Research Unit
- “Our Committee just loved the HREC Essentials course, and got so much out of doing it. We’re constantly reminding each other of all the things we learned that we should be doing as a Committee.”
Michael Gillard, Research and Development Lead, Australian Institute of Sport - “Thanks again for marking the submissions so quickly. I have learnt so much from the course, it has been fantastic.”
April Croydon, Research Ethics and Governance Support Officer, Gold Coast Health - “The whole course was extremely valuable and provided a lot of useful information and perspectives that certainly helped to broaden my understanding of the role of HRECs.”
Kerry, Lawyer, Australian Institute of Sport Ethics Committee - “I thought the session was excellent – it surpassed my expectations and was stimulating and extremely interesting. [The facilitator] is a natural and gifted webinar leader. She was very enthusiastic, warm and engaging and sought the participation of all in a stimulating well. Importantly, she is also very articulate, and was able to provide useful feedback and other relevant information and examples to extend and enrich the discussion.”
Dr Priscilla Seyfort Board Member NFP organisations/RCH HREC member - “Completing this course has been a pleasure. I have had so many of my values and beliefs about the importance of ethical principles in research design, conduct and reporting reinforced and confirmed. I have learned so much from the various exercises and ways of testing knowledge of the National Statement. It has also made me proud to be a member of our HREC and to be able to contribute in this important area as another way I can maintain my passion for the advancement of knowledge, social justice and in maximising the benefits to research to the community. Thank you for this learning opportunity. I enjoyed the readings and video’s that complete and give practical meaning to aspects of the National Statement. The new knowledge will give me confidence that I understand and am able to articulate the key principles of ethical research am able to apply them to contemporary issues and have a valid role to play within our HREC. It has increased both my confidence and competence. I would recommend this course to research students, research project officers and all members of HREC. I believe the course would be very beneficial as a set component of any induction process for new HREC committee members.”
Dr Margaret Brechman-Toussaint, HREC Committee Member, Queensland - “This was a wonderful, engaging, interactive and informative session. It was a great way to round off the course and apply learnings. Also great to hear from others across different organisations regarding their research ethics experience, approaches and general view points of workshop topics. Philomena was a fantastic facilitator with so much knowledge. She managed the group well allowing for everyone to provide their input. Honestly a great morning spent. Thoroughly enjoyed it!”
Kate Rudolph, Research Governance Services Australia