On
What We Offer
Professional Development and Education
The Institute supports medical researchers, including physicians, trainees and clinical research teams, through professional development and education.
- We promote clinical academic pathways
- We deliver structured research training, informed by the needs of trainees
- We link medical researchers with specialised training opportunities
Organisational Capacity for Research
The Institute builds capacity for medical research at RPA by promoting current research and seeking new opportunities for research translation and implementation.
- We bring together research leaders to share their experience, providing advice and support
- We have a focus on communication and advocacy
- We grow researcher networks and promote research grants and scholarships
- We share important metrics from our Clinical Trials Unit and support participant and data collection systems
Statistical Support
The Institute offers statistical support to assist in the planning of future studies (where the design is still undecided) or in the analysis of ongoing or completed studies. We also provide statistical assistance for specific project-related issues, such as model convergence or guidance on interpreting regression coefficients.
Please contact our team at SLHD-RPAIAM@health.nsw.gov.au for more information and to get started.
Strategic Engagement and Research Collaboration
The Institute sustains a vibrant research community by engaging researchers and facilitating collaborative relationships. Our network includes RPA Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, the University of Sydney and beyond.
- We are engaged in the development of the Sydney Innovation Precinct
- We support consumer engagement
- We foster partnerships within RPA Hospital and beyond
What's on
Women in Research Event
| Kerry Packer Education Centre |
| Wednesday 4 March 2026 |
Spotlighting inspiring career pathways for women in clinician-researcher roles.
Co-hosted by the Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families and the RPA Institute for Academic Medicine
This event, from 8:30am to 12pm on Wednesday 4 March 2026, will feature talks from early to mid-career and senior researchers, highlighting how supportive workplaces have helped them overcome barriers in research. There will also be a panel discussion.
Speakers include:
- Professor Lisa Horvath Chief Clinical Officer and Director of Research, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
- Dr Amali Mallawaarachchi RPA Institute for Academic Medicine Research Lead and Clinician Scientist, RPA Clinical Genetics
- Associate Professor Shilpi Ajwani Director of Oral Health Promotion, Research, Clinical Governance, Sydney Dental Hospital, Oral Health Services, Sydney Local Health District
- Associate Professor Hala Phipps Clinical Research Midwifery Consultant, Sydney Local Health District
Research Education Masterclass Program
| Gloucester House, Level 7 |
| 5:30pm to 6:30pm |
| Date | Topic and speaker |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 4 March 2026 |
Starting your journey: Clincial Research at RPA Professor Kate Wyburn Head, RPA Division of Medicine, IAM Clincal Sponsor Dr Arunan Sriravindrarajah Network Director of Physician Training, RPA BPT Network Professor Stephen Twigg Head of University of Sydney Clinical School, IAM Clinical Sponsor |
| Wednesday 18 March 2026 |
Develop your Trainee Project - Keys to Success A/Prof Lauren Troy IAM Co-Director Dr Tarunpreet Saluja Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Advanced Trainee |
| Wednesday 1 April 2026 |
Cracking the Code: How to Read Research Papers Like a Pro (Part One) Dr Peter Bradhurst IAM Research Lead, Consultant Immunologist, Concord Hospital |
| Tuesday 19 May 2026 |
Stats Unlocked: Mastering the Right Test for the Right Question Dr Jacob Cao Statistical Research Lead, RPA Institute for Academic Medicine Dr Thomas Payne Statistical Research Lead, RPA Institute for Academic Medicine |
| Wednesday 1 July 2026 |
Masters or PhD? Professor Michelle Barakat-Johnson Conjoint Professor of Wound Care and Skin Health at Sydney Local Health District and the University of Sydney, and clinician researcher and founder of the Wound Care Command Centre |
| Wednesday 16 September 2026 |
From Raw to Remarkable: Hands-On Real World Data Analysis
Dr Jacob Cao Statistical Research Lead, RPA Institute for Academic Medicine |
| Wednesday 21 September 2026 |
Cracking the Code: How to Read Research Papers Like a Pro (Part Two)
Dr Peter Bradhurst IAM Research Lead, Consultant Immunologist, Concord Hospital |
IAM 2026 Synergy Forums
| Level 7, Gloucester House, RPA Hospital |
| 9am to 10am |
The RPA Institute for Academic Medicine (IAM) 2026 Synergy Forums is responsible for providing a framework for optimising productivity in research and related educational activities through collaboration, mentorship and advocacy.
Regular forums provide insights into emerging issues in health and medical research relevant to IAM portfolios. Consumer engagement will support progress towards the goals of improving care and clinical outcomes through scientific endeavour.
| Wednesday 6 May 2026 |
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| Wednesday 20 May 2026 |
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IAM Ignite Sessions - Research Opportunities
The RPA Institute for Academic Medicine (IAM) has recently launched the Ignite sessions to support RPA trainees with a chance to discuss research opportunities with our Co‑Directors and, where appropriate, Research Leads.
The sessions are available for JMOs, interns, residents, basic physician trainees, and advanced trainees, as well as nursing and allied health staff.
What We Offer
RPA Institute for Academic Medicine