On behalf of the MDHS ECA Network and the MMS EMCA Advisory Committee, we are pleased to invite you to the upcoming 2026 EMCA Week from 4 to 10 November.
This year's theme is:
Future-Ready and Resilient Academics
The EMCA week will offer online seminars on the following topics:
- Series #1: AI in Health: To Be or Not to Be? — Promise, Peril, and the Path Forward
- Series #2: Research Grants and Grant Support
- Series #3: What Is Industry, and How Do I Navigate It?
- Series #4: From Research to Reach: Commercialisation, Partnerships, and International Reach
We are also offering special in-person seminars and networking sessions:
- Networking and Chats
- Managing Conflict in the Early Years of Academia
EMCAs will have a chance to share their experiences, showcase their research capabilities, and discuss potential collaboration opportunities. Ready to join us? Scroll down to register for EMCA Week events.
Travel Awards
ECAN is offering five travel awards of $1,500 each for EMCA Week participants. To be eligible, applicants must be an EMCA within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) and attend at least three of the four online seminars, as well as both in-person sessions on Tuesday 10 November. All eligible participants will be entered into a random draw, with recipients announced following EMCA Week. Please note that the Travel Award is only available to eligible participants who have not previously received an EMCA Week Travel Award.
Event Details
Details of the EMCA week events and registration links are provided below. For further information, please contact the MDHS ECR Network.
Online Workshops
AI in Health: To Be or Not to Be? — Promise, Peril, and the Path Forward
Come along to listen to this engaging debate on the latest controversies in applying AI to research, teaching and healthcare.
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Time: 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Mode: Online
Speakers: Dr Emerson Keenan, Abi Ward
Research Grants and Grant Support
Unlock the Australian research funding landscape and discover how to build a successful, long-term funding strategy. This session explores major fellowship and project funding schemes, highlights their key differences, and shares practical insights to help you navigate funding opportunities with confidence..
Date: Thursday 5 November 2026
Time: 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Mode: Online
Speakers: Dr Belinda Lawford, Dr Romy Walker, Associate Professor Adam Wheatley, Urmi Dhagat
What Is Industry, and How Do I Navigate It?
Curious about how industry can amplify the impact of your research? This session explores the world of industry engagement, including pathways to research translation, opportunities for collaboration, and the practical support available to help you take the next step.
Date: Friday 6 November 2026
Time: 12.00pm - 1.30pm
Mode: Online
Speakers: Professor Lauren Ayton, Associate Professor Mark Merolli, and the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre Team
From Research to Reach: Commercialisation, Partnerships, and International Reach
Research impact extends far beyond publications. This panel will explore how early- and mid-career researchers can translate discoveries into real-world outcomes through commercialisation, strategic partnerships, and international funding opportunities, while sharing practical advice for building a career with global reach and lasting impact.
Date: Monday 9 November 2026
Time: 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Mode: Online
Speakers: Professor Jodie McVernon, Amabel Tan, and the Research, Innovation, and Commercialisation (RIC) Team
Networking Event
Networking and Chats
Meet, connect, and grow your network with fellow EMCAs before continuing the conversation over a catered lunch..
Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026
Time: 11.30am – 1.00pm
Mode: In-person
Location: GM Seminar Rooms, Doherty Institute
In-Person Workshop
Managing Conflict in the Early Years of Academia
Gain practical tools and strategies to navigate conflict with confidence in the early stages of your academic career. Through real-world scenarios, group discussion, and reflection, you'll develop skills to manage challenging situations and build stronger professional relationships..
Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026
Time: 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Mode: In-person
Location: GM Seminar Rooms, Doherty Institute
Speakers: Professor Erica Fletcher