ANZGOG Research Development Day: Bringing gynaecological cancer research ideas to life

23 October 2026

Better treatment and care begin with research, and research begins with ideas – informed by clinical expertise, scientific knowledge and lived experience.

ANZGOG’s recent Research Development Day brought together over 70 participants from across Australia and New Zealand to help shape ideas for future gynaecological cancer clinical research. Held at Rydges Sydney International Airport, the event connected research committee members, volunteer Research Advisers with lived experience, guest presenters and ANZGOG’s research team for a day of shared learning and collaboration.

Exploring opportunities for future clinical trials

The day opened with two concurrent sessions exploring opportunities and approaches to clinical research.

Industry representatives discussed prospective developments and insights into investigational agents under development. In parallel, gynaecological oncologists, radiation oncologists, study coordinators, volunteer Research Advisers and allied health professionals participated in a Pragmatic Trials Development Workshop. Led by Professor Paul Cohen, Chair of ANZGOG’s Research Advisory Committee, and John Andrews, ANZGOG Research Manager, the session focused on developing trials relevant to everyday clinical practice.

Shaping the next generation of gynaecological cancer research

ANZGOG’s Ideas Generation Workshops provided an opportunity for the three Tumour Working Groups (Ovarian, Uterine and Cervical/Vulval/Vaginal) to discuss and refine research concepts submitted by members for potential development into future ANZGOG studies.

These discussions are an important step in the research development process: bringing different perspectives to an idea, considering its potential, and identifying questions that require further exploration.
Volunteer Research Advisers contributed directly to these conversations, ensuring lived experience was part of the discussion from the outset of research development. Their involvement brings an essential perspective on what matters to people affected by gynaecological cancer.

Strengthening clinical trial delivery

In the concurrent Study Coordinator Committee Workshop, participants explored contemporaneous clinical trial methodologies through presentations delivered by ANZGOG’s two Research Fellows – Dr Alexander Murhpy and Dr Marilyn Boo – and discussed challenges in the delivery of clinical trials.

The group also developed ideas for topics and suitable speakers for the Study Coordinator Workshop at ANZGOG’s 2027 Annual Scientific Meeting, helping shape a program informed by the needs and experience of those coordinating clinical research.

Connecting expertise and lived experience

The day brought clinical, scientific and lived experience perspectives into discussions about future gynaecological cancer research. Members shared research ideas and explored approaches to clinical trial development and delivery, with volunteer Research Advisers contributing their perspectives to help inform this work.

Thank you to all members, guest presenters and Research Advisers who generously shared their time, expertise and insights. Their contributions support ANZGOG’s work to develop research that aims to improve treatment, care, quality of life and survivorship for people affected by gynaecological cancer.