CaLD Researchers Network – Improving Equity in Research

The project aims to create a faculty-wide online network for researchers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds, enhancing collaboration and research quality in CaLD communities. The Diversity and Inclusion Grant will support this initiative by funding the development of the network, which will connect CaLD researchers with relevant projects, offer career development opportunities, and foster community partnerships. This will address health disparities and ensure more impactful and inclusive research outcomes.

This project is supported by an MDHS Diversity and Inclusion Grant 2023.

Professor Christobel Saunders - Surgery
Professor Jennifer Philip - Palliative Medicine
Professor Matthew Spittal - School of Population and Global Health
Dr Vijaya Joshi - Health Equity, VCCC Alliance
Ms Sena Arpaci - Research Assistant - Surgery

To promote equity and foster meaningful engagement with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations, we have established the CALD Researchers Network. This initiative supports learning, mentorship, and collaboration, helping researchers connect with relevant projects, expand outreach, and improve health outcomes for CALD communities.

Key Achievements

Building the Network

  • Membership Growth:
    • Our network currently includes 64 researchers from CALD backgrounds.
    • All members have completed a detailed questionnaire outlining their research expertise, interests, and goals within the network.
  • Database Development:
    • We’ve created an online database capturing members’ research interests, CALD-related skills, and language capabilities to facilitate project matching and collaboration.

Support for CALD Research

  • Resource Allocation:
    • A 0.1 FTE research assistant has been employed to provide dedicated support for the project.
  • Project Facilitation:
    • The database has already been used to identify suitable CALD members for a research project requiring focus group participants from CALD backgrounds.

Engagement and Mentorship

  • Inaugural Meeting:
    • The first CALD Researchers Network meeting was held on 21 November 2024, with strong attendance and positive feedback.
    • The next meeting is scheduled for February 2025, with a focus on mentorship to support and develop junior researchers.
  • Ongoing Networking Sessions:
    • Regular sessions enable members to connect, exchange knowledge, and learn from one another.
    • These sessions foster relationships between researchers and CALD community members, opening opportunities for collaboration and outreach.

Community Impact

  • Researchers in the network have leveraged their connections with key CALD community members, facilitating personal and professional growth while enhancing community engagement.
  • The database continues to support MDHS research by sourcing CALD members for projects, ensuring culturally inclusive and impactful studies.