Get involved in research

Last updated 23 November 2023

All GPs use evidence derived from research in their daily clinical practice.

There are many different ways that GPs can be involved in research, for example:

  • leading research projects
  • actively engaging in the research process as a co-investigator
  • recruiting patients for projects undertaken by others
  • joining a journal club to further develop your critical analysis skills and research capacity
  • conducting some forms of QI and audits in their practices.
 

To learn more, or to apply for an RACGP research grant, award or scholarship

Email: research@racgp.org.au or telephone (03) 9698 0805

 


There are a range of opportunities to help you find the right level of research for you during your general practice training. For example, you can: 

  • Become involved in a project by contacting your university department of general practice.
  • Undertake a PhD or higher degree in research alongside your clinical training
  • Apply for an Academic Post under the AGPT pathway and work part-time in a university department concurrently with your clinical training

Involvement in research will equip you with skills that you will be able to utilise throughout your medical career. For more information, visit the Research During Training webpage.

University-based GP Research
A listing of Australian universities that have a general practice discipline (or, department) and welcome your contact to learn more about their respective general practice research programs.

 

The RACGP runs many educational webinars, including the GP Research Webinar series and other related GP research content. These are available for free to members and are also on-demand.

What is a PBRN and what are the benefits of participating?

A PBRN is a network of primary care practitioners that collaborate to identify and explore research questions relevant to their work and the community they serve, with the aim of creating new knowledge that can be translated into practice (Source: Pearce K, et al. How and why to study the practice content of a practice-based research network. Annals of Family Medicine 2004 2(5):425-28). PBRNs produce evidence that not only enhances clinical practice but can also support policy to underpin best practice (Source: Prof Meredith Temple-Smith, RACGP PBRN Webinar, 29 April 2021).

Active Australian PBRN’s include:
 

ASPREN (Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network)
University of Adelaide

Contact:
Prof Nigel Stocks 
nigel.stocks@adelaide.edu.au

 ASPREN Coordinator:

monique.chilver@adelaide.edu.au
tel: (08) 8313 3463 or fax 08 8313 3511

PracNet
Australian National University

Contact:
Prof Kirsty Douglas or Dr Katelyn  Barnes

GoldNet Research
Bond University and Griffith University

Contact:
Prof Nick Zwar
www.goldnetresearch.com.au

Illawarra and Southern Practice Research Network (ISPRN)
University of Wollongong

Contact:
ISPRN

North Queensland Practice-Based Research Network
James Cook University

Monash Research Network (MonRen)
Monash University


Contact:
MonReN

MonReN  is a Practice-Based Research Network (MonReN) providing formal collaborations between clinicians in general practice, consumers, policy makers and academics that are dedicated to working together on relevant research questions to translate new knowledge into practice. 

This peer-to-peer PBRN supports general practice to engage in research and education to improve health outcomes.

Our Vision
Our vision is for MonReN to be nationally and internationally recognised as a leading practice based research network engaging in high quality academic endeavour that improves patient health outcomes and advances the discipline of general practice.

Our Mission
Improving patient outcomes through partnership with practices in our region

Outcomes
MonReN seeks to:
Build capacity in general practice
Facilitate peer connection and networking
Support self-improvement and learning amongst participants
Develop a culture of quality improvement in general practice
Drive innovation and excellence in general practice research and education

Network of Research General Practice (NRGP)
The University of Newcastle
Contact:
Prof Dimity Pond

New England GP Research Network
University of New England

The New England General Practice Research Network (NEGPRN) is a practice-based research network in the New England and North West region of NSW. The NEGPRN is funded by NSW Regional Health Partners in collaboration with the University of New England and University of Newcastle.

Contact:
Assoc/ Professor Michelle Guppy
(02) 6773 3579

Catherine Brabrook (Network Coordinator)
(02) 6773 4463

UNSW electronic Practice-Based Research Network
University of New South  Wales

Contact:
Dr Jitendra Jonnagaddala

University of Queensland GP Research

Contact: 
uqgpresearch@uq.edu.au

UQGP Research is a practice-based research network supported by The University of Queensland enabling general practices and university- based researchers to work together building the evidence base to improve primary care for all.

Victorian Primary Care Research and Education Network
University of Melbourne

Contact: 
vicren-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au  

VicREN, established in 2007, is a practice-based research network (PBRN) managed by the Department of General Practice at The University of Melbourne that enables collaboration between community-based health care practices, community members and academic institutions in advancing the evidence base of primary health care. 

Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group (PC4)
University of Melbourne
 

General Practice Teaching and Research Network 
Western Sydney University 

Contact: 
j.reath@westernsydney.edu.au 
p.abbott@westernsydney.edu.au

Western Sydney University Department of General Practice supports a network of GP Supervisors mostly based in the Western Sydney region. We are keen to promote and support research through this network and to hear from GPs who are interested in joining. Our research interests and experience are described at: Western Sydney University.

WA General Practice Based Research Network Group (WAGPBRN) 
The University of Notre Dame, The University of Western Australia, Curtin University and the Rural Clinical School.

Contact: A/Prof Lucy Gilkes
lucy.gilkes@nd.edu.au

 

The WAGPRN consists of a group of Western Australian Health professionals and academics working in general practice or the field of general practice based research in Western Australia.

The WAGPBRN aims to utilise the strengths and capabilities of individual members to build the capacity and capability of General Practice based research in Western Australia by developing relevant research questions, working together on study design and conduct, and translating new knowledge into practice.

You may also like to join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/wagpbrn/


The RACGP Foundation provides grants and awards to GPs undertaking research in general practice. 


You can learn more about what is happening in general practice, including the latest research findings at newsGP, the RACGP’s news hub, designed and developed for members, to keep you informed of news relevant to Australian general practice.  


If you are interested in participating in a research project or survey, visit the RACGP GP Research Project Noticeboard. This noticeboard lists opportunities for GPs to participate in a variety of different research projects.

 

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