LATEST NEWS: 26 March 2026

TROG’s 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) paved the way for innovative future research, exploring vital issues ranging from boosting consumer engagement in research to the way in which AI could reshape clinical trials of the future.

Over 350 delegates gathered at the Pullman Albert Park in Melbourne for the meeting from 17-20 March, which was themed: Driving Intelligent Trials, Smarter designs, empowered consumers, AI-driven insight and strong trial systems for better research outcomes.

Dr Dishan Herath, Chief Medical Officer at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Chair of the VCCC Alliance Cancer Research Advisory Committee, opened the meeting, highlighting the central role of consumers in research broadly, and embedded across the meeting sessions through presentations and panel participation, bringing essential lived experience into scientific discussion.

“This reflects a broader commitment to compassionate, patient-centered research and to ensuring that studies address the questions that matter to the people we serve,” Dr Herath said.

TROG President A/Prof Puma Sundaresan (pictured below) presented an update on TROG’s achievements in delivering high-impact, practice-guiding research during 2025, including:

• 190 new participants recruited to TROG trials
• 12 papers published in peer-review journals
• 13 conference presentations
• 11 new trial proposals, with two accepted for developed
• Four grants awarded for TROG trials, totalling $3.6+ million

Co-convenors Jenna Dean from the Olivia Newtown-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Dr Michelle Li and A/Prof Vanessa Panettieri, both from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, oversaw a thought-provoking scientific program.

Consumer presenters offered valuable insights in sessions focusing on each of TROG’s five subspecialty research areas – breast; head, neck and skin; lung; genitourinary and central nervous system. The Equity in Motion session also highlighted innovative ways to enhance consumer collaboration and equity across clinical trials.

The way ever-changing technology will impact trial development was also a strong focus, with presentations on a large language model for radiation oncology being used by the United States Mayo Clinic and an exploration of how to use AI in clinical research.

Workshop success

A broad range of clinical trial professionals, clinicians and researchers attended the full-day workshops held prior to the scientific program.

The Clinical Education Research Workshop (CREW) offered a specialised TransCelerate-accredited training program on the latest revision of clinical trial standards ICH GCP E6 (R3), led by Eleanor Allan from Caledonian Clinical Training.

The Technical Research Education (TRW) workshop, with an ‘Alice in a Wonderland of Research’ theme, included a lively debate on the proposition: “Radiotherapy clinical trials will not require professionals to do any of their current work in eight years”. The “Negative” team were voted debate winners, after arguing that while AI will play an increasing role in research, human expertise and oversight will remain a critical element of trial research.

2026 ASM by Numbers

• 353 delegates
• 50+ speakers
• 7 consumer speakers + 13 consumer attendees (virtual and F2F)
• 13 Posters
• 177 Gala dinner attendees
• 74 Clinical Education Research Workshop attendees (virtual and F2F)
• 83 Technical Research Workshop attendees
• 44 RANZCR SMART Workshops attendees

TROG CEO Susan Goode thanked all who contributed to the meeting’s success.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity to share ideas, to build new connections and enhance important collaborations, as we work together towards the common purpose of driving new research that makes a real difference,” she said.

“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the many consumers who generously shared their experiences and insights, as well as to all our speakers, the co-convenors, session chairs and, of course, the many delegates.”

The Gala Dinner, with the theme ‘Full throttle formal” was a highlight, with delegates donning dinner suits and gowns to walk the red carpet and celebrate in style alongside Melbourne’s Albert Park F1 Circuit. The evening was also an opportunity to announce TROG’s Research Excellence Award winners for 2026.

We extend our thanks to event managers ASN Events for their tireless work organising the meeting, and to the many exhibitors and sponsors whose support is key to the success of the ASM. Special thanks to Event Partner Varian, Platinum sponsor Elekta, Educational Symposium sponsor Astra Zeneca, Gala Dinner sponsor GenesisCare and Welcome Reception sponsor Brainlab.

• Read about the 2026 Award winners

• See a selection of images from the ASM below.