EVENTS
2026 Annual QRHIRC Symposium
Disease prevention and service models in rural and regional communities
Hosted by the Queensland Rural Health Innovation and Research Collaborative (QRHIRC), our annual symposium is a dynamic day of learning, collaboration and innovation.
This free in-person event will be held on Thursday, 6 August 2026, at The Annex, Toowoomba.
The symposium brings together health researchers, clinicians, health service staff, students and community members to connect, share ideas, explore current health research, and help shape future projects that will benefit rural and regional Queensland.
Why Attend?
Network with researchers, clinicians and community members
Take part in an interactive co-design workshop
Hear presentations on health research relevant to our region
Contribute to new project ideas and funding opportunities
Learn how research can create real impact in rural and regional communities
Emerging Researcher Presentations
Hear short presentations from emerging local researchers showcasing new and innovative work taking place across our region.
Idea Elevators
Projects developed during the morning workshop will be presented to friendly Idea Elevator panels for feedback to strengthen future grant applications and project plans.
Funding Opportunity
A funding pool of up to $15,000 is available, with up to $7,500 awarded to each successful project developed through the symposium process.
If you have a project idea you would like considered for the workshop, please download the application form or email QRHIRC@health.qld.gov.au. Applications close Monday, 22nd June 2026.
If you have a project idea you would like considered for the workshop, please email QRHIRC@health.qld.gov.au. Applications close Monday, 22nd June 2026.
Registration
Registration is free and includes catering.
You are welcome to register for:
Full Day
Morning Session only (8:30 am – 1:00 pm)
Afternoon Session only (12:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
Please register for one session option only.
Community members are warmly encouraged to attend, learn about local health projects and build confidence in contributing to research through co-design.
Register Online now
11th August - Research Workshops
Baillie Henderson Hospital, Toowoomba
Join QRHIRC for free, practical, skills-focused research training designed for novice and early-career researchers. These in-person workshops build foundational skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey design, data collection and analysis. Attend one session or join for the full day. All workshops have limited availability to support interactive learning.
Beginner's Guide to Quantitative Data Collection and Analysis
8:30 am – 11:00 am
Develop a practical understanding of quantitative research methods and learn the fundamentals of collecting, managing and analysing quantitative data. This workshop will introduce common data types, basic statistical concepts and approaches to understand quantitative findings.
Facilitator: Dr Tony Fallon, Southern Queensland Rural Health
Basic Survey Design
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Learn the principles of designing effective surveys that generate reliable and meaningful data. This session will cover question development, survey structure, response options and common pitfalls to avoid when creating research surveys.
Facilitator: Associate Prof. Rachel King, University of Southern QLD
Developing a Qualitative Interview Guide & Performing Thematic Analysis
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Explore how to develop a qualitative interview guide that encourages rich and meaningful data collection. Participants will also be introduced to thematic analysis, including techniques for identifying, coding and interpreting patterns and themes within qualitative data.
Facilitator: Associate Prof. Jonathan Bayuo, University of Southern QLD
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