Inaugural Women in Research event celebrates female clinician researchers and collaborative leadership.
 

Clinicians and researchers came together on Wednesday 4 March 2026 for the inaugural Women in Research event, hosted by the Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, and the RPA Institute for Academic Medicine.  

Deb Willcox AM, District Chief Executive, opened the event, acknowledging the essential role women play in shaping innovative, evidence-based care and contributing to a stronger research culture. 

The event showcased the career journeys of four clinician researchers from Sydney Local Health District, whose contributions to clinical research and patient care are widely recognised: Professor Lisa Horvath, Director of Research and a Senior Staff Specialist at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and Clinical Researcher heading the Advanced Prostate Cancer Group at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in The Kinghorn Cancer Centre; Associate Professor Shilpi Ajwani, Director of Oral Health Promotion and Research at Sydney Local Health District Oral Health and Sydney Dental Hospital; Dr Amali Mallawaarachchi, IAM research lead and clinician-scientist; and Associate Professor Hala Phipps, Clinical Midwifery Consultant for Research at Women and Babies, Sydney Local Health District. 

Each reflected on their research journey and the influences that shaped their careers – from curiosity and mentorship to collaboration and persistence. Speakers described both planned and unexpected pathways into research, highlighting the importance of supportive environments and seizing opportunities as they arise. They encouraged attendees to stay inquisitive, back their interests and focus on work that leads to meaningful improvements in clinical practice and patient outcomes. 

The morning’s program was led by Associate Professor Lauren Troy, Co-Director of the IAM, and Professor Adrienne Gordon, Co-Chair of the Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, reflecting strong collaboration between the Institutes and a shared commitment to building research capacity, mentorship and visibility for women across the network. Together, the Institutes focus on advancing equitable health outcomes through multidisciplinary research and education, while bringing together research, education and clinical practice at RPA to support innovation and improve patient care. 

Professor Gordon facilitated a panel discussion with three speakers, exploring themes of mentorship, collaboration and the influences shaping research careers. The formal program concluded with a networking session.