It is now over ten years since a group of researchers and policy makers met in Sydney to consider health services research in Australia and New Zealand, and to exchange views. The conference was, according to many who participated, just what was needed: a great forum for the presentation of the latest research in Australia and New Zealand, an update from key international speakers about developments in other parts of the world, and an opportunity to hear from and exchange views with policy makers.
That meeting has grown into a regular biennial conference, and initiated the Health Services Research Association of Australia and New Zealand. Each conference since – in Wellington, Melbourne, Canberra, Auckland and most recently Brisbane – has built on the successes of previous conferences, expanded the network of health services researchers in Australia and New Zealand, and brought stimulating and challenging speakers to a new audience.
Each conference aims to bring together key international international speakers. We also aim for a strong line up of speakers from Australia and New Zealand, too and run special sessions, usually including one on the Harkness Fellowships in Health Policy and Practice sponsored by the Commonwealth Fund, special sessions and workshops for early career researchers, and activities for corporate members. There are sessions for proffered papers, and and plenty of time for posters.
The spirit of that first meeting continues and expands and we are looking forward to our next conference in Adelaide in late 2011. The convenor of this conference is Jon Karnon, Professor in Health Economics, School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, University of Adelaide. Jon is currently establishing the conference committee and considering the theme and keynote speakers. If you would like to be involved in the event or have suggestions for themes or speakers that you would like to hear you can contact Jon at jonathan.karnon@adelaide.edu.au.
Click here for a report on our last conference in Brisbane 2009