Posted: 21 July 2025
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne has launched ResearchFriends, an online platform created to foster stronger, more inclusive partnerships between the public and health researchers. The initiative aims to connect individuals – patients, families, and caregivers – with opportunities to get involved in research, from participating in clinical trials and completing surveys to co-designing studies and attending webinars.
“SVHM @ ResearchFriends is a new way to bring researchers and consumers together,” said Director of Research Dr Megan Robertson, highlighting its goal of elevating the patient voice and enabling genuine two-way engagement. Dr Tam Nguyen, Deputy Director of Research, added that many people want to contribute to medical research but often don’t know how to begin. “ResearchFriends was created to break down those barriers,” he said.
The platform was launched alongside TrialScreen, a feasibility study that explored lung cancer screening in Melbourne’s Vietnamese and Sudanese communities—groups historically underrepresented in research. The study, led by St Vincent’s and the University of Melbourne, worked closely with community leaders, interpreters, and participants to develop culturally appropriate materials and screening processes.
“Screening programs only work when they’re designed with communities in mind,” said Associate Professor Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u‑Lino, co-lead of the TrialScreen project. She emphasised the importance of trust, cultural connection, and understanding the barriers communities face when engaging with research and healthcare services.
Findings from the TrialScreen study are already helping to shape Australia’s national lung cancer screening rollout. At the same time, ResearchFriends provides a sustainable pathway for communities to stay involved—matching people with research opportunities that reflect their interests, values, and lived experience.
Through this dual initiative, St Vincent’s is working to ensure future medical breakthroughs are built on collaboration, inclusivity, and equity. Community members across Victoria are now invited to register with ResearchFriends and help shape the future of healthcare.
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