Practice-based research brings medical schools together
(L to R) Dr Fiona Williams (UoW), Assoicate Professor Joel Rhee (UNSW), Associate Professor Phyllis Lau (Western Sydney University), Professor Rowena Ivers (UoW), Professor Penny Abbott (Western Sydney University), Dr Marguerite Tracey (USyd), Professor Sanjyot Vagholkar (Macquarie University), Associate Professor Graeme Horton (Newcastle).
Western Sydney University has proudly hosted the launch of the NSW-ACT Practice-based Research Alliance (NAPRA).
The launch on Friday, 23 May 2025 included a welcome video opening from Professor Michael Kidd, who has also recently been appointed as Australia’s next Chief Medical Officer, and presentations from key stakeholders including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, NSW Health’s Lumos, and Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
During his opening video welcome, Professor Kidd highlighted the critical role of primary care research in shaping the future of healthcare systems globally.
“By investing in practice-based research, we’re not only improving the quality of care delivered in our own communities, but also contributing to a global effort to build stronger, more resilient health systems,” said Professor Kidd.
“I am pleased to be able to support NAPRA and to champion research that empowers clinicians, informs policy, and ultimately brings us closer to achieving universal health care.”
Practice-based research involves clinicians and healthcare professionals conducting research in real-world settings to directly inform and improve patient care.
Serving as a catalyst for primary care research excellence, NAPRA aims to leverage the collective expertise and resources of its diverse network to address pressing healthcare challenges. It is also committed to meaningful practice-based research by people working in primary care, to benefit the health of the communities in which they work.
Associate Professor Phyllis Lau from Western Sydney University’s School of Medicine is extremely excited to have been appointed as the inaugural Chair of the NAPRA Committee.
“NAPRA is more than an alliance; its aim is to help embed research into the everyday practice of primary care. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting practitioners on the ground, we are building a stronger, smarter healthcare system,” said Associate Professor Lau.
“Our collective efforts will not only generate high-quality research but also ensure that findings are translated into real-world improvements for patients and communities.”
Professor Rod McClure, Dean of the School of Medicine notes that he is proud that the University can be a founding member of NAPRA.
“Our membership to NAPRA reinforces our commitment to advancing primary care through impactful, practice-based research,” said Professor McClure.
“It also reflects our dedication to fostering innovation, supporting clinicians as researchers, and improving health outcomes for the diverse communities we serve. Through NAPRA, we are helping shape a more connected, evidence-informed future for Australian healthcare.”
NAPRA was established in 2024 by nine NSW-ACT university medical schools including: Western Sydney University; University of Wollongong; The University of Sydney; University of Notre Dame; University of New South Wales; University of New England; University of Newcastle; Macquarie University; and Australian National University.
You can find out more about NAPRA by visiting their website https://napra.com.au/(opens in a new window).
ENDS
5 June 2025
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