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TRI · Research · Health Consumers

Health Consumers

ResearchCollaborateDiscoveryTranslateEngageHealth ConsumersResearch Areas

The Lived Experience

Current and past patients, along with their family, friends and carers are known as health consumers. These consumers fulfil a vital role in assisting researchers, clinicians and educators to better understand the lived experience of therapies and treatments. Having access to this experience is highly valued and can help to direct research investigations and health treatment advancement.

Being involved in medical research can also be personally rewarding, knowing you are contributing to better outcomes for future patients.

The TRI Consumer & Community Involvement (CCI) Program

Launched in 2022 to foster stronger relationships with the community, our CCI program is designed to support TRI-based researchers in developing successful partnerships and collaborations with health consumer networks in Queensland and nationally. By engaging with members of our communities in this way, we can discover answers to many of our research questions and translate this knowledge into better patient care.

Consumer Advocacy

Michel’s story

In 2017 Michel was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He found learning more about his disease helpful in coming to terms with his diagnosis, and gained a new perspective and motivation to share his lived experience and contribute to better outcomes for others. This is his story.

Consumer Advocacy

Michel’s story

In 2017 Michel was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He found learning more about his disease helpful in coming to terms with his diagnosis, and gained a new perspective and motivation to share his lived experience and contribute to better outcomes for others. This is his story.

Connect with a Research team

TRI-based research regularly requires input from health consumers to ensure best possible outcomes. 
If you are interested in being involved, explore our current opportunities and email research@tri.edu.au to learn more.

Consumer Toolkit

This easy-reference toolkit is designed to give you an insight into the role you can play as a health consumer.

When to get involved

  • This easy-reference toolkit is designed to give you an insight into the role you can play as a health consumer.
  • Contribute to a project in an area of personal interest.
  • Look for research projects with strong leadership, direction and support.
  • Engage with projects where it is evident that consumer participation has been considered.
  • Seek a clearly defined research role that matches your availability and level of commitment.
  • Gain from training or workshops that will provide you with additional knowledge and support.

Case studies

Breast Cancer

Better imaging for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment

Diabetes
Immunotherapy hope for children with Type 1 diabetes

Researchers are developing a new immunotherapy for people with type 1 diabetes, using the body’s own immune system to treat the disease.

Clinical ResearchRheumatoid Arthritis
Innovative approach to Rheumatoid Arthritis

A new approach to rheumatoid arthritis is being developed, with Phase I clinical trials showing promising results.

Immunology
New Human Immune Models set to accelerate preclinical drug development

TRI-based scientists from Mater Research are developing research models that more accurately replicate the human immune system.

EpilepsyNeuroscience
Studying childhood experiences in treatment-resistant epilepsy

A team of researchers and clinicians are exploring the link between early life stressors and epilepsy, paving the way for more effective treatments in the future.

Read about lived experience and its role in research in our Consumer Connect newsletter.