St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne and TrialScreen Launch SVHM @ ResearchFriends to Elevate Patient Voice in Medical Research

St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) and TrialScreen are to launch SVHM @ ResearchFriends - a new platform designed to strengthen collaboration between patients and researchers in St Vincent's extensive ecosystem.

SVHM @ ResearchFriends represents a bidirectional exchange between individuals with personal or familial interests in specific health conditions and SVHM researchers. The platform will offer priority access to webinars, surveys, and clinical trials tailored to members' health interests, alongside direct engagement with leading SVHM researchers. Members will also have opportunities to share their experience and contribute to research design, grant applications, and interactions with regulators and sponsors, all within a supportive community of like-minded individuals passionate about advancing healthcare.

This collaboration places patients at the forefront of the research process, acknowledging that community involvement is essential for developing more effective treatments and improving health outcomes. "When we invest time in supporting a cause, we cultivate a sense of belonging that empowers us to make a difference," said Associate Professor. Megan Roberston, Group Chief Research Officer at St. Vincent's Health Australia. "SVHM @ ResearchFriends will help bring together the strength of our patient community and the expertise of our researchers in a structured, purposeful way—leading to more impactful research, faster trial recruitment, and better health outcomes for the people we serve."

"We are proud to help research institutions maximise the impact of their patient relationships and research capabilities. Our partnership with St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne demonstrates what becomes possible when we remove barriers between communities and researchers," said Dr. Hugo Stephenson, CEO of TrialScreen Australia. "World-class organisations like SVHM have always had exceptional clinical expertise and deep community connections. So much more becomes possible when these capabilities are bridged—and we are looking forward to ResearchFriends providing a framework that allows SVHM's existing initiatives to grow. We're grateful to work alongside SVHM to showcase this collaborative model."

The official launch of the SVHM @ ResearchFriends is scheduled for mid 2025, with both organisations excited about the possibilities this partnership brings to empower advocates and make a meaningful impact in medical research.

For more information about ResearchFriends.org or to register interest in joining the community, please visit researchfriends.org

About TrialScreen:
TrialScreen is a science-driven company that bridges the gap between people and clinical research, working towards new treatments and better care by encouraging patient participation in the research process.

About St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne:
St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne is a tertiary public healthcare service providing acute medical and surgical services, emergency and critical care, aged care, diagnostics, rehabilitation, allied health, mental health, palliative care, and residential care. SVHM is committed to leading research and innovation to improve the health outcomes for all Australians.

Media Contacts:
Emma Burrows | Head, Scientific Engagement
TrialScreen
M 0417 431 376
E emma.burrows@trialscreen.org

Joanna Wills | State Media Manager - Victoria
St Vincent's Health Australia 
M 0427 685 086
E joanna.wills@svha.org.au