SHAPE International Symposium 2026
Monday 29th June – Wednesday 1st July 2026
Hosted by the SHAPE Executive in Hybrid Mode at the Melbourne Campus, La Trobe University and via Zoom
Energising health management practice, education and research
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The program will run over three days in hybrid mode at the La Trobe University Melbourne Campus and online via Zoom. Keynote and panel speakers will include leading voices from across the globe in healthcare leadership and management at both system and service levels. The program includes keynote addresses, an interactive panel session, group discussions, and 15-minute presentations. Delegates are healthcare leaders, managers, academics and educators in all areas of health services, focusing on Australasia and Asia Pacific countries. Managers, practitioners and postgraduate students are highly encouraged to attend.
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Monday June 29th – This day will focus on health service management education and research in conjunction with SHAPE program member meetings and the SHAPE AGM. There will be a session specifically for higher degree research, postgraduate and undergraduate students giving short presentations, receiving academic feedback, discussion and learning from each other.
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Tuesday June 30th and Wednesday July 1st – These days will focus on the four themes detailed below
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Theme 01
Moving from the classroom to practice: what academics and practitioners can learn from each other.
Theme 02
Artificial intelligence in health: current thinking, debates and strategies for educators, researchers and practitioners
Theme 03
​Social care and its impact: the challenges aged care, NDIS and other social care developments present for educators, researchers and practitioners
Theme 04
Innovations and new ideas: including comissioning health services for the community and the role of educators in building agility, capacity and sustainability.
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Call for Abstracts
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We are now inviting abstracts for presentations at the SHAPE International Symposium 2026 in person or online. Presentations are encouraged from a broad range of topics associated with the four themes above that contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges facing health service leadership and management, education, development, workforce training and research.
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Collectively these encompass the central interests of SHAPE members and colleagues. Presentations must clearly demonstrate their relevance and linkage to health service management education and research.​​​​​
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Deadline for abstract submission: 5pm (AEST), 9 February 2026
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HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT: All submissions must be made online by completing the abstract submission form which can be downloaded from this site. Please read the Call for Abstracts document above for detailed information on the Symposium and types of presentations accepted.
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To submit your abstract you MUST use the online submission link: https://jcu.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cAplFWgN6MYExCK
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Or you can scan this QR code:
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