Supported by a $2 million Victorian Government investment, the Victorian Future Leader Fellows for Clinical Trials program aims to strengthen participation, recruitment and awareness of clinical trials across the state, while building the next generation of clinical trials leaders.
The Fellowships provide protected time and support for frontline health professionals to develop and test practical approaches to increasing participation in clinical trials.
The program is delivered through the Victorian Research Translation Centre Collaborative (VRTCC), comprising MACH, Monash Partners Health Translation Network and Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre, and will appoint 15 Fellows over the next three years.
Representing MACH partner organisations, Dr Violet Mukaro and Professor Justin Yeung have been appointed to the inaugural cohort following a competitive selection process. Through the MACH fellowships, administered by the Melbourne Centre for Clinical Trials (MCCT), they will lead projects focused on improving access to clinical trial opportunities and reducing barriers to participation.
Building trust and participation in diverse communities
Dr Violet Mukaro, Senior Project Officer at the University of Melbourne, will work with Austin Health and Melbourne Health to improve participation in clinical trials among African Australian communities.
Working directly with community members, the project will develop and test culturally appropriate recruitment and consent approaches for critical care clinical trials.
The project will produce community-informed resources and engagement approaches designed to improve awareness, trust and participation in clinical research.
While initially focused on African Australian communities, the project could inform broader efforts to improve participation among culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Helping more patients access clinical trials
Professor Justin Yeung, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Western Health and Acting Head of the Department of Surgery at the University of Melbourne, will develop and test two digital tools designed to improve participation in oncology clinical trials.
The project will involve a dashboard that uses hospital data to identify potentially eligible participants, alongside a patient-facing app to help people understand and access clinical trial opportunities.
Initially tested at Western Health, the tools are intended to integrate with existing hospital systems and support broader implementation across Victoria.
The project aims to connect more patients with clinical trial opportunities by helping clinicians identify eligible participants earlier and improving patient awareness.
Reducing barriers to participation
While taking different approaches, both projects aim to connect more Victorians with clinical trial opportunities.
MCCT Director Professor Julie Simpson said the projects reflected the Fellowship program’s focus on increasing participation in clinical trials while building future capability.
“Professor Yeung and Dr Mukaro are tackling different challenges, but both projects have the potential to broaden involvement in clinical trials and strengthen access to research opportunities.”
“The Fellowships are also helping develop the next generation of clinical trials leaders, building capability that will benefit Victoria’s research and healthcare sectors long into the future.”
Minister for Medical Research Anthony Carbines said the Victorian Government’s investment in the program’s inaugural cohort of six clinicians will help deliver faster medical breakthroughs and expand Victoria’s role as Australia’s medical research capital.
“These fellowships make sure everyone can participate in and benefit from cutting-edge medical research.”
Victorian Research Translation Centres Collaborative Independent Chair Professor Richard Larkins AC said the program is a partnership between Victoria’s outstanding research organisations and health services and the Victorian Government.
“It will enhance patient recruitment to clinical trials, allowing earlier introduction of lifesaving new treatments as well as attracting more commercial investment into our state.”