Integrating living evidence into adaptive platform trials to strengthen the research ecosystem

We are seeking expressions of interest from talented candidates who wish to apply for a PhD to undertake research enhancing adaptive platform trial (APT) design to improve efficiencies in research generation and accelerate the impact of research on health outcomes. The PhD research projects will be embedded in a wider research program funded by an NHMRC Ideas Grant focused on advancing adaptive platform trials by incorporating new external research as it emerges. The two PhD projects will be based at the Australian Living Evidence Collaboration within the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and candidates will work closely with team members from multiple adaptive platform trials across Australia. This project aims to explore the implications of integrating living evidence into APTs, from the perspective of the wider research community. The project will involve identifying factors that may encourage or hinder ongoing use of living evidence in APTs. Activities will involve conducting a needs analysis and process map of potential high-value decision points within APTs that would benefit from living evidence. The student will also gain expertise in conducting co-design workshops and qualitative interviews; and will have the opportunity to gain experience liaising with a range of research stakeholders including APT trial teams, consumers, journal editors and guideline developers.