2026 Annual Dinner
21st May 2026
This year, the VARN Annual Dinner is taking place at Father’s Office (Downtown), located at 121 Flinders Lane, welcoming members from across the clinical trials community for an evening centred on connection and shared learning.
The goal of this event is to bring VARN Inc members together to strengthen connections, celebrate our shared achievements, and foster a sense of community in a warm, supportive environment.
2025 Professional Development Day
10th October 2025
The VARN Research Nurse Professional Development Day brought together research nurses from across Victoria for a highly engaging and collaborative day focused on learning, connection, and professional growth.
The event showcased a diverse program of speakers who explored key and emerging areas in clinical research. Topics included the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical trials, advancements in women’s mental health research, updates on the national clinical trial reform agenda, and sustainability initiatives through the Healthcare Carbon Lab. Attendees also gained valuable insights into improving patient communication through plain language consent forms and strategies for enhancing multilingual communication in clinical research.
A strong emphasis was placed on inclusivity and consumer engagement, highlighted by a powerful session on lived experience and the importance of ensuring every voice is heard in research.
The day provided an opportunity for attendees to exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks, and reflect on the evolving role of research nurses in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. With a balance of practical insights and forward-thinking discussions, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration and continuous development within the research nursing community.
2025 Annual Dinner
29th May 2025
The VARN Annual Dinner was held in the Cooper Inn restaurant, bringing together members from across the clinical trials community for an evening of networking, collaboration, and inspiration. The event adopted a more relaxed and engaging theme, focusing on “The Fun Side of Journal Clubs.” The program featured a series of insightful and entertaining presentations, where speakers shared notable journal articles and real-world applications across diverse fields of clinical research. The goal was to spark meaningful discussions while encouraging a sense of camaraderie among attendees. The evening offered a unique opportunity for members to connect across organisations, exchange ideas, and stay informed about the latest industry trends—all while enjoying a delicious dinner and drinks in a warm, informal setting.
2024 Professional Development Day
25th October 2024
The Professional Development Day is an exciting event for research nurses in Victoria, designed to support nurses in their ongoing education and professional growth. The day will cover a diverse range of topics, including cancer of unknown primary, the Regional Clinical Trials Network, the Revitalise Project, Franklin Women, Mind Medicine Australia, allergy research, and NeuraGPT, an innovative AI for medical records. Additionally, we will host update meetings for all VARN members, with representatives from the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF) in attendance. This event offers a fantastic opportunity for nurses to expand their knowledge and network with key figures in the industry.
2024 Annual Dinner
30th May 2024
The 2024 Annual Dinner for the Victorian Affiliation of Research Nurses (VARN) was held at The George on Collins, Melbourne, and was a resounding success. Research nurses from across Victoria gathered to connect and network, strengthening professional ties and sharing valuable insights. A highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Christine Zahren, MAppSc, BSN, RN, Co-founder and Director of the White Coats Foundation. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare and clinical trials, Christine's presentation inspired attendees with her expertise and dedication to advancing medical science through clinical trials. This event truly celebrated the vital role of research nurses in healthcare innovation.