Your work shapes lives every day. Your research shapes the future of surgery. That message underpins the RACS Annual Research Conference 2026, to be held at the Australian Hearing Hub, Macquarie University, Sydney, from 12-13 November.

Hosted by the RACS Academic Surgery Committee in partnership with the Association of Academic Surgery (USA), the conference will bring together Fellows, Trainees, Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs), medical students, researchers and educators to explore the latest developments in surgical research, innovation and education.

Day one features the popular Developing a Career and Skills in Academic Surgery (DCAS) program and discussions on contemporary issues in academic surgery. Day two will focus on innovation, with presentations examining advances in education, research translation and entrepreneurship.

Professor Payal Mukherjee, chair of the Academic Surgery Committee, said research remains central to the future of surgical practice.

"Research is integral to high-quality surgical care. Whether improving outcomes, evaluating emerging technologies or informing education and training, members of the surgical community play a vital role in generating and translating evidence. This conference provides an opportunity to share that work, build collaborations and contribute to the future of surgery. I invite you to come together to celebrate excellence, build careers and foster connectivity within academic surgery."

Featured speakers include Associate Professor Sarah Aitken, Professor Matt Read, Professor Zsolt Balogh and Dr Quinlan Buchlak, alongside international faculty from USA and South Africa. A key highlight of the event includes the Jepson Lecture, to be delivered by Professor Ian Bissett from Aotearoa New Zealand, along with sessions on publishing research and avoiding burnout, and a Cochlear site visit.

Associate Professor Anthony Glover, conference convenor, said the conference offers valuable opportunities to learn from leading researchers and build new collaborations.

"The Annual Scientific Research Conference (ARC) brings together the Australian and New Zealand surgical community to share research, build careers, and celebrate achievements.

“Whether you are presenting research, developing an academic career or exploring innovation in practice, the conference offers practical insights, meaningful discussion and opportunities to help shape the future of surgery."

Whether you are a Fellow, Trainee, SIMG or medical student, register now and join colleagues from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and USA this November. Because while your scalpel shapes lives, your research shapes surgery.

For more information, view the provisional program and register here: RACS Annual Research Conference | RACS

Registration page: https://surgeons.eventsair.com/racs-annual-research-conference-2026/arc26/Site/Register