You can help make a difference to cancer research by representing the needs and issues of people affected by cancer. This helps researchers keep in touch with what matters to people affected by cancers and helps us decide which research we should fund.
How can you get started?
Click on the register button and complete a short form to let us know you’re interested in attending the training.
Complete 2 hours of online training whenever suits you, followed by the half-day face-to-face workshop.
You will be eligible to be invited to work with a research team based on your interests and experience. Participation is entirely voluntary.
How it helps
Involving community members in research ensures the research we fund is relevant to our community and meets their needs.
You can help by using your own experience to assist a research team, or representing your community’s needs to help us make research funding decisions.
Community members of diverse backgrounds all help to make sure the research we’re funding addresses real-world needs.
Learn more:
How do researchers involve the community in their work?
Upcoming training
The training courses are free to attend.
Please note that places are limited.
Consumers in Research online training
When: Online training modules can be completed at any time
Where: Register online
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
A series of four short modules designed to inform and prepare you to be involved in health and medical research which can be completed at any time. This online training is a prerequisite for the Consumers in Research workshop.
Consumers in Research Information Session
When: Tuesday 5 November 2024
Where: Online
Time: 6:00 – 7:00pm
Registration: Complete the expression of interest form below.
Prerequisite: It is recommended, but not mandatory that participants complete the Cancer Council Consumers in Research training module prior to this session.
In this session we will cover Cancer Research in NSW, hear from researchers and consumers and have time for discussion about what’s involved in being a Consumer in Research with Cancer Council NSW and Cancer Voices.
Learn more:
How does the cancer community guide our research funding?
Interview: Ever wanted to be involved with cancer research? Get a first-hand account of what the training involves and what it’s like to be a consumer in research in our interview with one of our most recent graduates
Who can participate?
Anyone can participate. The term ‘consumer’ includes anyone who has been affected by cancer and members of the public who have no experience with cancer. You don’t need a scientific or medical background, but you will have an interest in research and a willingness to learn some basic scientific terms.
Meet past participants
Jane Bennett
“I think it’s important to engage consumers in research as they provide a unique perspective.” Jane’s story
Phil Burge
“My wish is that Cancer Council NSW can one day achieve its aim of beating cancer and that one day, all types of cancer can be easily treated in every community.”
Phil’s story
Shirley Baxter
“(Cancer Council NSW) ensures that projects get reviewed both based on their scientific merit and according to their relevance to the community.” Shirley’s story
Jan Mumford
“Cancer Council NSW supports cancer research, and importantly, they involve the community in the research process.” Jan’s story
Tony Maxwell
“Having the chance to give to my opinion on which cancer research projects get funded is important to me. I come from a scientific background too, so I also find it all really interesting”Tony’s story