In this edition, we are delighted to launch the RACGP Research Strategy 2025-29, which sets out our vision to strengthen GP-led research and support the growth of research and translation in general practice.
We were also pleased to connect with many of you at events including the Australasian Association for Academic Primary Care (AAAPC) conference in Geelong, the National Multidisciplinary Primary Care Research, Policy and Advocacy Consortium Think Tank and Translation of Research Outcomes into the Primary Health Interface (TROPHI) translation forum in eastern Melbourne. Each was an energising opportunity to share insights and showcase the vital role of research in general practice.
As we celebrate what we’ve achieved together, we also look ahead at the opportunities this new strategy will unlock. In this edition we share updates, highlights and ways you can be part of the journey.
Launch of new RACGP Research Strategy
We are pleased to share the new RACGP Research Strategy 2025–2029; a comprehensive plan to ensure general practice research is better supported, more accessible and embedded across clinical practice, education and policy and advocacy.
The strategy outlines two core goals:
to grow high-quality, relevant general practice research
to ensure research findings are translated into meaningful outcomes both within the RACGP and across the wider general practice profession.
Our approach is guided by six key enablers and underpinned by nine core values that shape our decision priorities.
We thank the RACGP Expert Committee – Research for leading this important work and the many stakeholders who contributed during the consultation period.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone together at GP25, where we will formally launch the strategy
Celebrating our community
We warmly congratulate Professor Grant Russell (Monash University), on receiving the esteemed AAAPC Bridges-Webb Medal. This award recognises his outstanding leadership, commitment and achievement in primary care research.
Professor Russell is a highly respected GP academic and leader, known for his passion for collaboration and dedication to nurturing the next generation of primary care researchers.
We thank Professor Russell for his significant contributions to general practice research and for the inspiration he provides to our growing research community.
Bring research to life in general practice
On 26 August TROPHI team proudly hosted their second Research Translation Forum. The event bought together GPs, primary health professionals, consumers, academics, and health staff from across outer eastern Melbourne- all united by a shared passion for driving research into practice.
The evening showcased local translational research, including innovative hospital-based education promoting GP pathways and a program improving physical health for mental health consumers. A hands-on session highlighted the value of collaboration and community engagement while a panel discussion on building a culture of research translation in the region left attendees feeling inspired and connected to a growing research community.
Events such as this are vital to fostering a research culture in general practice and supporting the translation of evidence into practice. Congratulations to the TROPHI team for their ongoing work to build momentum locally.
TROPHI is a pilot project which aims to drive high quality implementation and translational research delivering contemporary practice-based evidence to improve primary health care and patient outcomes. It is a collaboration between Monash University, the University of Melbourne and the RACGP- Find out more at – www.trophi.org.au
Advocacy update
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released the Draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy for consultation. The RACGP is preparing a submission, and we encourage members of the general practice research community to review the draft and provide their own feedback.
Spotlight on Dr Alissia Hui - RACGP Expert Committee – Research (REC-R)
We recently spoke to Dr Alissia Hui from Monash University who joined the committee in January 2025 about her passion for research and her role on REC-Research. You can find the full interview on our website.
What inspired you to join REC–Research?
I joined the national research committee to advocate for general practice research and contribute meaningfully to my College’s work. It’s an exciting opportunity to share my ideas and help shape high standards in the field.
How do you balance being a GP academic and a PhD candidate?
It can be busy, but my roles complement each other well. Working in a research team on a large project provides valuable experience that informs my PhD.
What’s your advice to GPs who want to get into research?
Start by exploring the literature, RACGP’s library is a great resource. There are many entry points: the academic post for registrars, participating in studies via the research noticeboard, or pursuing postgraduate research. University departments of general practice offer opportunities to join teams, collaborate, or lead your own research. Find a mentor or supervisor and get involved.
What’s a piece of advice has stuck with you throughout your career?
Follow your interests and play to your strengths. Medicine offers diverse career paths, and combining roles can be fulfilling. My experience across clinical practice, education, and research has broadened my understanding of the health system and opened doors to collaboration. Staying true to your passions keeps the work meaningful.
Outside of medicine and research, what helps you recharge?
Spending time with family and friends, gardening, walking, reading, and travelling.
Grants & funding news
Applications now open -2026 PhD top-up scholarships
The Australian General Practice Research Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the RACGP, is inviting applications for two PhD top-up scholarships.
These scholarships are open to outstanding general practitioners and GP registrars undertaking PhD research directly relevant to general practice. Applicants must have already applied or received a primary scholarship or salary support from their university.
Each top-up scholarship provides:
• $25,000 per annum (FTE) in stipend support
• $5,000 per annum (FTE) bursary to support professional development and research translation activities.
Congratulations to the 2025 Foundation grant recipients
GPs, registrars, students and researchers are tackling big challenges and driving change to improve care for communities across Australia. Explore the full list of recipients of the Australian General Practice Research Foundation Grants and Awards and their projects here.
Academic Post program update
Congratulations to the successful applicants to the 2026 Academic Post round. A full list of the new cohort is available here. Universities with successful registrars are encouraged to look out for communications from the RACGP Education Research Unit, regarding contracting, and to stay connected with their registrars in preparation for the term.
The 2025 cohort met in August for the second two-day face-to-face workshop, followed by the AAAPC annual research conference in Geelong. Fourteen registrars presented posters at the conference, and two delivered oral presentations; a jam-packed but rewarding few days.
The registrar education and support program, led by Dr Pallavi Prathivadi, will continue throughout the year with webinars on advocacy, future pathways and academic writing. The 2025 cohort will also be attending GP25 in Brisbane on 14-16 November.
For any queries, please contact Georgia Franklin at gpedresearch@racgp.org.au.
August 2025 Academic Post registrars at Workshop two
Education research grants update
The ERG2024 dissemination webinar series was held in Augusts showcasing the breadth and impact of 12-month research projects. We thank all presenters and attendees for their valuable contributions.
Community-based training for community-based care: Improving GP recruitment, retention and academic practice through longitudinal clerkships, by Dr Denise Findlay and Dr Felicity Roux
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in GP training: Exploring use, impact and implications for registrars and educators, by Dr Lyndon Walker
Integrating registrars as Clinical Teachers 2 (INTERACT 2): Supporting GP registrars as clinical teachers in training settings, by Dr Hok Lim.
Strengthening the rural GP workforce through integrated pathways, by Dr Jacqueline Penney and Dr Sarah Prior
AI-powered nano-feedback: Enhancing supervision and learning for trainees, by Emeritus Professor Paul Worley.
Looking ahead, both ERG2024 (24 months) and ERG2025 projects will present their findings at the final workshop in November, held alongside GP25 in Brisbane on 14-16 November.
The 2026 ERG application review process is currently underway with the outcome to be released mid-late October. For further details on the ERG2026 process and timeline, please visit Education Research Grant opportunity page.
What 12 years of asthma data reveals about GP training
New research from the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) project has examined GP registrar prescribing for one of the most common chronic childhood conditions.
This longitudinal study of ReCEnT data from 2010-2022, conducted as part of Dr Nina Reid’s 2023 academic registrar post, analysed data from 2,403 GP registrars managing paediatric asthma. Despite growing evidence and guideline support for earlier and more consistent use of preventer medications, overall preventer prescribing did not change over time – a finding that provides useful guidance for ongoing GP training development.
Dr Nina Reid, School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle
A secondary finding showed a shift in prescribing behaviour, with increased use of single-agent inhaled corticosteroids and reduced use of combination ICS-LABA inhalers. This trend may reflect improved alignment with guideline-based treatment recommendations.
The study highlights opportunities to strengthen asthma education within general practice training and demonstrates the impact of The AGPT Academic Post Program in generating clinically relevant research.
The September issue of Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP) was dedicated to research. RACGP Expert Committee – Research Chair Professor Dimity Pond, Dr Taryn Elliott and Tania Lim co-authored the AJGP’s Guest Editorial exploring research in training, clinical care and health systems.
A selection of abstracts from the 2024 cohort of Academic Post registrars’ abstracts was also published showcasing a diverse range of research topics including; behavioural economics in medication adherence, general practitioners’ roles in ADHD care and antimicrobial stewardship strategies in respiratory infections.
Research grant partnerships & letters of support from RACGP
Securing funding for general practice research can be challenging. The RACGP is keen to support GP-led research that is relevant to general practice policy and practice and is well positioned to help interpret research findings and disseminate results. See here for information on how to request a grant partnership or letter of support.
GP research project noticeboard
The RACGP hosts a GP research project noticeboard to help GPs recruit participants for their studies and to offer opportunities for others to support important research across Australia.
Below are a selection of studies currently recruiting:
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Ltd (RACGP) ABN 34 000 223 807
RACGP House, 100 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, VIC 3002 Australia
