Join us for a free, dynamic and in-person workshop designed for researchers and consumers to build confidence, practical skills and explore potential partnership opportunities.
Co-hosted by Sydney Health Partners (SHP) and Health Consumers NSW (HCNSW), ReConX will present a program with three sessions:
Session 1: New National Health Research Policies and What They Mean For You: We’ll cover some of the key features and considerations of two national policy documents shaping health research in Australia: the very recently revised National Statement on Consumer and Community Involvement in Health and Medical Research, and the new Policy on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Grant Applications and Peer Review.
Session 2: Getting Onboard the AI Express Train: The role of AI in health care and health research is moving rapidly. This session explores what we need to know or think about to be more ‘AI‑literate’. We’ll also delve into the strengths and challenges of using or developing AI tools such as health chatbots or digital scribes.
Session 3: Speed Partnering between Consumers and Researchers: Now that we’re up to date on what’s expected of consumers and researchers who partner, we’ll explore creating some potential new partnerships. You’ll take part in Speed Partnering – short one-on-one conversations that let researchers and consumers meet, discuss interests, and identify ways to collaborate. Make new contacts and understand clear next steps and practical pathways to involvement.
Who is this for?
Whether you’re new to consumer–researcher collaborations or keen to build on existing experience, ReConX offers the chance to connect, learn, and form new relationships.
We’re aiming for a balanced mix of consumer and researcher participants to facilitate potential partnering opportunities, shared perspectives and collaborative learning.
Please note that researchers must be affiliated with one of SHP’s partner organisations to be eligible to attend. We strongly encourage new health consumer representatives who have not attended any SHP events before but are curious about partnering with researchers to register.
Program
9:30 – 10:00am I Registration
10:00 – 10:10 am | Welcome and Program Outline
10:10 – 10:30 am | Session 1: New National Health Research Policies and What They Mean For You
10:30 – 11:15 am | Session 2: Getting Onboard the AI Express Train
11:15 – 11:45 am | Morning tea
11:45 – 1:00 pm | Session 3: Speed Partnering between Consumers and Researchers
1:00 – 1:15 pm | Wrap-up
1:15 – 2:00 pm | Optional lunch
About the presenters
Dr Julie Ayre is a senior research fellow at the Sydney Health Literacy Lab, The University of Sydney. Her research focuses on using digital technology to support health literacy initiatives. More recently, her research has shifted to examining community use of AI tools for health advice and to leveraging AI tools to increase the uptake of health literacy practices in the health workforce.
Dr Yves Saint James Aquino is a research fellow at the University of Wollongong, and a physician and philosopher with expertise in empirical bioethics and the philosophy of medicine. His research currently focuses on the ethical, legal and social implications of artificial intelligence applications in healthcare. Other research interests include ethics of cosmetic surgery, social justice in health, and public health ethics.
Julia Brockhausen is an engagement, communications, and media professional with 20 years’ experience, spanning the charity, public and consultancy sectors. She has a Master of Arts in International Communication from Macquarie University and is the Communications Manager for Health Consumers NSW.
Carrie Hayter is the Managing Director at Carrie Hayter Consulting, where she improves health outcomes by amplifying the rights and living experiences of people who use health and social care. She brings inclusivity, joy, and creativity to facilitate events that connect people and spark conversations.
Associate Professor Angela Todd is Research Director at Sydney Health Partners, where she works with staff across the partnership to support clinical and health services research. This includes building capacity for effective consumer-researcher partnerships, clinical trials support, and simpler and more consistent research approval processes. She has a background in maternal and child health research.
A joint initiative between Health Consumers NSW and Sydney Health Partners
