Workshops
Concept Development Workshops
Concept Development Workshops (CDWs) are hosted by the Scientific Advisory Committee and provide a supportive environment for intensive input on study design and methods from a multi-disciplinary faculty. Members of the PoCoG Community Advisory Group are also invited to attend.
PoCoG holds two formal in-person CDWs per year. Members can also submit research ideas and protocols on an ad hoc basis, subject to approval by the Management Team.
The second and final Concept Development Workshop for 2026 will be held on Monday 19 October.
It will be an all-day in-person event at the University of Sydney campus in Camperdown, NSW.
Researchers in Australia or New Zealand are invited to apply to bring their concept to the October CDW by completing the online application form [link pending] by Friday 11 September.
Considering submitting a concept? Hear what a few of our past concept authors have to say about their PoCoG CDW experience:
Senior Research Fellow Dr Rachel Campbell talks with us about her experience at our December 2025 workshop. Rachel shares some advice for anyone considering submitting, and outlines some of the benefits of the CDW process overall.
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Medical Oncologist Dr Shawgi Sukumaran talks to us about his experience of our May 2025 workshop, and shares his recommendations for clinicians and researchers considering bringing their concept to a PoCoG CDW.
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Senior Radiation Therapist Kath Dower shares her impressions from our May 2025 workshop, along with advice for anyone considering participating in future workshops.
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Who can apply?
Submissions from research teams in Australia or New Zealand, involving at least one PoCoG member, are welcome.
The review process:
Submissions will be considered on the basis of:
Importance: Potential to inform the science and practice of psycho-oncology, and aligns with one or more of PoCoG’s priority populations and strategic aims.
Scientific quality: the study design and methods proposed have the potential to be developed into a high-quality research plan.
Feasibility: The investigators have the required expertise (or can access this via PoCoG) and are likely to be able to garner the needed resources to successfully complete the project.
Potential outcomes: This study will significantly improve health outcomes.
Process and timelines for the October 2026 CDW:
Concept Authors submit their concept by completing the online application form by 11 September [the form is currently under review and will be finalised in the first week of July].
The PoCoG Management Team, which includes the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee, review all submissions and advise the Authors on 14 September whether or not their concept has been accepted for the CDW, providing feedback to those not accepted this time around.
Successful Concept Authors each need to be available for a 30-minute online discussion with members of the Community Advisory Group (CAG) on September 17 or 18. This is simply so the CAG has the opportunity to ask questions prior to preparing their feedback.
The Scientific Advisory Committee and Community Advisory Group then take two weeks, 21 September to 2 October, to provide structured feedback.
The PoCoG Executive Office collates and packages the feedback, sending it back to each Author by 5 October.
Authors amend their concept submission (if need be) and prepare their presentation for the workshop, sending final iterations of both to PoCoG by 15 October.
Concept Authors attend and present in person at the CDW on 19 October.
The Scientific Advisory Committee and PoCoG Executive Office meet the following day to review the concepts and determine the level of support. Concept Authors are informed of the outcome within a week following.
Who attends the workshop:
Investigators whose concept has been selected for presentation will attend the CDW. The presenting investigator may invite one member of their research team to accompany them as their scribe if they wish. Please note, attendees are responsible for funding and booking their own travel.
PoCoG participants on the day will include the PoCoG Chair and Executive Director, Research Manager, and Executive Officer, the Scientific Advisory Chair and Committee members, as well as members from the Community Advisory Group.
If you have questions or would like to know more, please email the PoCoG Executive Office.
We are looking forward to working with you to develop the best concepts and study proposals to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.