Members of the Queensland Academy for Health Sciences leadership team recently attended the Gold Coast Health Research, Innovation and Transformation Showcase held at Gold Coast University Hospital.
The annual event brings together clinicians, researchers and industry partners to highlight the latest research and innovations shaping healthcare across the region. Through keynote presentations, innovation sessions and research displays, the showcase provided insight into how new ideas are being translated into practical solutions that improve patient care.
One example shared at the showcase was the Gold Coast Child Development Health Assessment and Triage (G-CHAT) platform, presented by Senior Paediatrician Dr Angela Owens. The secure digital messaging system allows families to connect directly with their paediatric care team between appointments, helping them ask clinical questions, share documents and access support without long phone waits. More than 700 families have already used the platform, demonstrating how digital tools can improve communication and care coordination in paediatric healthcare.
Research posters and lightning talks throughout the afternoon highlighted a wide range of emerging projects across Gold Coast Health. These included studies exploring how artificial intelligence can help clinicians identify barriers that delay patient discharge, digital health initiatives designed to improve clinical workflows and patient safety, and rehabilitation programs supporting recovery through structured, real-world activities.
For QAHS, engagement with events such as this strengthens the Academy's connection to the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, where students are uniquely positioned alongside world-class hospitals, universities and research organisations working at the forefront of modern healthcare.
By no coincidence, the QAHS Change in Action program draws inspiration from events such as this and the innovation ecosystem here on the Gold Coast. Later this year, the entire Year 10 cohort will take part in the 2026 Change in Action showcase, presenting ideas and solutions developed in response to challenges connected to our local health and research community.
Stay tuned for the 2026 problem statement!
Dion Obst
HOD Global Connect