12 March 2012

ARHRC appoints Research Higher Degree Network Coordinator

In 2011, the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health in Orange appointed Dr Carlie Lawrence as Research Higher Degree Network Coordinator for the Collaboration, to

• increase enrolments, and support for research clinicians and postgraduate research students
• develop research skills for students through a series of workshops on specific issues.

Need for support

Early in its existence, the Collaboration established a Research Higher Degree Network to support those individuals in rural locations enrolled in, or thinking about undertaking a PhD. Of necessity, students undertaking rural health research must often work in isolation, without access to learning support, advice and training that students attending city campuses access routinely.

The Network helps higher degree students by linking them through regular teleconferences, and providing workshops on both technical aspects such as statistics, and broader issues of relevance to students, such as writing for publication, time management, and work-life balance.

Carlie Lawrence, who completed her PhD last year, will coordinate the Network's activities in 2012. Since taking up her position at the CRRMH, she has been renewing contacts and seeking opinions of researchers and supervisors about the type of assistance needed and how it can most usefully be delivered to research students within the Collaboration.

The Collaboration welcomes people in northern or western New South Wales who are enrolled or thinking of enrolling in a research higher degree in rural health to contact us regarding support for their studies.

For information about network activities, contact Dr Lawrence by phone on 02 6363 8457 or email Carlie.Lawrence@newcastle.edu.au

 

 

4th Rural Health Research Colloquium

The most recent Rural Health Research Colloquium was held in Dubbo, NSW, from 11-13 October, 2011.

The Colloquium was co-convened by the Australian Rural Health Research Collaboration and the Rural Division of the Clinical Education and Training Institute, and hosted by the Western NSW and Far West Local Health Networks.

The Director of the Collaboration Assoc Professor David Perkins said the theme of Sustaining Rural Health through Research meant the conference was able to provide a valuable forum for discussing research of relevance to improving rural health.

Rationale

Held every two year, the Rural Health Research Colloquium provides an opportunity for health professionals and their tertiary education sector colleagues to get together to share research and innovation initiatives and forge stronger collaboration in efforts to improve rural health.

Highlights

Like its predecessor held in Ballina in 2009, the 2011 Colloquium attracted more than 100 participants. Special features of the conference included speakers from overseas and other parts of Australia, workshop discussion groups and a social program providing participants with the opportunity to network with colleagues and develop professional contacts.

Another highlight was the graduation of participants in the Rural Research Capacity Building Program, organised and run by the Rural Directorate of the Clinical Education and Training Institute (formerly, the NSW Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching). To learn more about the program, visit CETI's website at http://www.ruralceti.health.nsw.gov.au/

For information about the Colloquium, including details of the conference program, visit http://www.rhrc.com.au

 

 

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