SAC

UPDATES FROM SAC & SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS

Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC)

The SAC met by teleconference on 4 March and 13 May 2015. Much of the discussion related to the outcomes of the Concept Development Workshops held in November 2014. Quite a few new concepts are likely to come out of these workshops and the SAC will need to consider them in the light of the ANZUP Strategic Plan and prioritise its recommendations regarding which should proceed. The ANZUP SAC is characterised by its resilience and flexibility but this means that sometimes various activities need to occur “out of session.” A recent example was the very short time frame given for ANZUP to make a decision regarding what protocol should be considered for submission for the PCFA Movember Clinical Trial Award scheme. Fortunately we were able to move on this quickly, which meant that this key opportunity was able to be grasped. The broader group was able to be consulted and had opportunity for input as well.

ANZUP also has the benefit of a fantastic multidisciplinary representation on the SAC. This ensures that all opinions and positions can be considered and that we do not find ourselves inappropriately weighting certain areas or initiatives. Mei Krishnasamy has been a longstanding SAC member representing Cancer Nurses Society of Australia. Mei has now stepped into the role of President of COSA and is unable to continue on the SAC. ANZUP thanks Mei for her great service and cool wisdom and advice. We are delighted to welcome Ray Chan onto the SAC as the new CNSA representative.

The SAC has great support from the four disease-specific subcommittees, the Quality of Life and Supportive Care subcommittee, the Correlative and Translational Research subcommittee, and the Consumer Advisory Panel which provides members to the other committees also. We also have the benefit of external advice in regards to health economics (CREST) and other QOL tools.

ANZUP’s processes are meant to be inclusive. Membership of the SAC is through appointment by the Board on the recommendation of the relevant special society or professional organisation. Membership of the subcommittees is open to any interested ANZUP member and we strongly encourage you to participate at any level you wish. This might be as a quiet observer, an active participant in the discussion, a local champion and investigator, overall trial leadership, or a leadership role in the committee. We also encourage participation by junior people to help them gain experience in the process and give them a taste for clinical research especially in the context of a cooperative group. These people are the next generation of clinical and research leaders and we want to make sure we have the best ones we can have. Please encourage them to join and participate, and take advantage of the opportunities ANZUP can offer including the ability to apply for travel or other grant support for the ASM.

Thanks as always to those of you who participate at any level. You are truly making a difference for our patients and their families.

IAN DAVIS Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee

Twitter

Did you know ANZUP is tweeting? If you aren’t already following us you can find us at @ANZUPtrials. We hope all ANZUP members with twitter accounts will start following us.

Key dates, trials updates, news and good news stories are regularly being tweeted.