MacCS Network
A network to support early-career clinician-scientists in their pursuit of excellence in both research and clinical practice.
MacCS (Melbourne academic centre Clinician Scientists – pronounced “max”) is a unique collaboration between MACH and Melbourne Medical School, Research Training Academy that offers:
- Peer mentorship
- Reviewing of grant proposals
- Opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Strategies to secure grant funding
- Insights into aspects of clinician scientist roles, such as diverse career pathways and how to effectively balance the demands of clinical practice with research
We recognise that for aspiring post-doctoral clinician scientists the first five years after completion of a PhD can be particularly challenging, especially securing both postdoctoral research funding to develop scientific independence and a clinical role in advanced practice. The MacCS leadership and steering committee will draw from their own vast experience to provide invaluable guidance to network members in navigating these challenges.
Structured as a network, MacCS benefits from the experience of Professor Sir John Savill and Professor Margie Danchin as Chairs, plus a steering committee of early-mid career clinician scientists committed to identifying and addressing the gaps that clinician scientists often encounter.
Who should join
If you are an early- to mid-career clinician scientist from any discipline affiliated with a MACH Partner:
- within five years of post-doc completion
- looking to start your own research group
- working on your own grant funding
To join this dynamic, peer-run network, please contact us at [email protected] to be added to our mailing list, so you can stay updated with future events and opportunities.
MacCS Steering Committee
MACH has brought together eight accomplished clinician-scientists who are leaders in their respective fields and are committed to advancing the clinician-scientist community.
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Dr Jessica Day
Rheumatologist at RMH
Research Domain: Inflammatory Diseases of Muscle (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
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Dr Thanuja Dharmadasa
Neurologist at RMH
Research Domain: Motor Neurone Disease (The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health)
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Dr Prasanth Ramachandran
Neurologist at RMH
Research Domain: Neuroinflammatory diseases (Doherty Institute/University of Melbourne)
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Dr Aparna Rao
Medical Oncologist at PMCC
Research Domain: Melanoma (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre)
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Dr Emily See
Intensivist and Nephrologist at RMH/ RCH
Research Domain: Acute Kidney Injury (University of Melbourne)
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Dr Shivanthan Shanthikumar
Paediatric Respiratory Specialist at RCH
Research Domain: Childhood Respiratory Diseases (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute)
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Dr Jim Whittle
Neuro Oncologist at PMCC
Research Domain: Brain Cancer – Patient-derived models for drug discovery (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
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A/Prof Lisa Zhu
Ophthalmologist at CERA
Research Domain: Artificial intelligence and retinal imaging to detect sight threatening conditions (Centre for Eye Research Australia)
Past Events
MacCS hosted a a symposium titled “Getting Started as a Post-Doctoral Clinician Scientist”, on 13th of August 2024, providing invaluable insights and guidance to those at the early stages of their postdoctoral careers. Click here to view the program.
