What are clinical trials? Clinical trials are research studies with humans, designed to test new treatments to find better ways to prevent, detect or treat disease1. Clinical trials are also sometimes referred to as interventional trials. The sorts of treatments being investigated include medicines or drugs, cells and other biological products, surgical procedures, radiologic procedures, devices, behavioural treatments, process-of-care changes, preventive care, and other items.2 Clinical trials rely on having members of the general public agree to take part. What happens in a clinical trial? In a clinical trial, participants meet with researchers who go through what the clinical trial will involve. All participants must be advised about the objectives of the research, what is expected of them, as well as any risks that may be experienced during and after the trial. Trials must follow a carefully controlled protocol, which is a plan that describes what researchers will do in the stu

Researchers at The George Institute for Global Health, UK, led by Executive Director Professor Otavio Berwanger, are spearheading a programme of work to transform that way we deliver large-scale clinical trials. This programme is borne out of a recognition of the limitations of the ‘traditional’ clinical trial model – and the health gains (social, environmental and economic) – to be had in investigating pragmatic, innovative and efficient approaches. In both the so-called ‘traditional’ and innovative trial models, the gold standard of randomisation controls for both known and unknown confounding factors that could influence trials outcomes, and represents the optimal method to work out whether a healthcare intervention reduces the risk of patient-important outcomes and so inform clinical practice. Where the two models differ is that the traditional approach requires participants be screened and recruited in a trial site by a team of investigators, and so demands both a

Across Australia, many people struggle to access quality healthcare for mental health support and treatment for chronic conditions. Geographic isolation, limited resources, and systemic inequities are just some of the factors contributing to these gaps. To address these challenges and create lasting change, affordable and scalable solutions are urgently needed. Soul Patts, one of Australia’s most respected investment companies, is partnering with The George Institute to support cutting-edge tech startups that are driving solutions for unmet medical needs. This partnership goes beyond financial investment, combining long-term funding with strategic guidance to create meaningful and sustainable impact. By offering pro bono expertise in areas such as strategy, financial management, recruitment, and legal support, Soul Patts is helping startups address skill gaps and accelerate their growth. This dual investment will help these startups scale their operations and deliver sustainable impact

Professors Robyn Norton AO and Stephen MacMahon AO, co-founders of The George Institute for Global Health, have spent their lives addressing some of the world’s most urgent health challenges. Through decades of groundbreaking research and visionary leadership, they have championed scalable solutions that have inspired a global movement for health equity. Now, in an extraordinary act of generosity, Robyn and Stephen are giving back to the organisation they built, pledging AUD $1 million to advance two critical areas of women’s health equity. This gift, combined with a matching contribution from The George Institute, creates a total pool of AUD $2 million. This funding has enabled the establishment of the Founders’ Fund, empowering some of the organisation’s most talented people and partners to unite in advancing this vital mission. Professors Robyn Norton AO and Stephen MacMahon AO, co-founders of The George Institute Advancing sex and gender equity in health To

The George Institute's Women’s Health Program aims to improve the health of women and girls around the world by adopting a life course and equity approach. We are a global group of researchers, clinicians, policy and advocacy specialists, and communications specialists who are passionate about improving the lives and health of women and girls through conducting high-quality, innovative and cutting-edge research. AI and women’s health Artificial intelligence is changing our world with exciting potential to improve women’s health. Some examples include improved diagnosis, prediction of future disease, clinical decision support, health worker training and continuous supportive supervision, and rapid evidence synthesis. However, AI also brings challenges, with the risk of entrenching biases for groups underrepresented in large datasets used to train AI models, the risk of hallucinations, a changing regulatory environment, concerns around the energy required, and safety concerns for use

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