NACE - CFAR Training Day

An annual training day for emerging allergy researchers to connect and drive new knowledge.

The next generation of allergy researchers are invited to the 2026 NACE-CFAR Training Day on Thursday 21 May in Melbourne!

Learn about using AI in Research; the NACE Allergy BioRepository; Multiple imputation for handling missing data; the LifeCourse platform, plus the famous breakfast mingle and lunch time seminar!

Places are limited! Please RSVP by 5pm AEST Thursday 30 April.

• WHEN: 8.00am – 5.00pm AEST, Thursday 21 May 2026
• WHERE: Murdoch Children's Research Institute - Cox Room and Walford Room (Level 5)
  50 Flemington Road, Parkville VIC
• PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take tram number 58 or 59 to the Royal Children’s Hospital stop
• PARKING: Some on-street parking is available on Flemington Road, underground parking is available beneath the Royal Children’s Hospital and 48 Flemington Road. More parking details
• LUNCH: 12.30 – 2.00pm AEST, light refreshments will be provided throughout the day

What's on?

Training session 1: Using AI in Research

AI is transforming health and medical research, from drug discovery and diagnostics to risk prediction and inclusive clinical research design. This interactive session will explore emerging use cases across the research lifecycle and invite discussion on where AI is already shaping your work. We will also examine key ethical considerations, how to balance the risks and benefits of AI in our work and focusing on how to use AI responsibly while maintaining scientific rigour and public trust.

Presented by Dr Nitya Phillipson, Head of Integriity & Governance, Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

• 9:30am - 11:30am AEST
• Cox-Walford Rooms, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville

Training session 2: Introduction to the NACE ALBI

Australia is a global leader in allergy research, however, unstandardised and fragmented datasets limit consolidation of knowledge and the delivery of effective research outcomes. To address this gap, the NACE is developing the Allergy BioRepository (ALBI) - an innovative, secure platform designed to integrate and manage allergy data in a standardised and accessible manner, enabling researchers to leverage big data in the advancement of allergy research. This session will provide an overview of the ALBI system - how it works and what it offers for you. 

Presented by Evie Kayes, Research Manager, National Allergy Centre of Excellence, Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

• 11:30am - 12pm AEST
• Cox-Walford Rooms, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville

Lunchtime seminar

• 12:30pm - 2.00pm AEST
• Danks Room, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville

Hear from NACE Postgraduate Scholars and Postdoctoral Fellows, who will share the latest on their food, drug, insect and respiratory allergy projects. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Training session 3: Multiple imputation for handling missing data - an overview

Missing data is a common challenge in research. This session will introduce the problems caused by missing data, review ad-hoc methods for handling missing data and their limitations, and outline the principles of multiple imputation (MI). Key considerations when using MI will be discussed and illustrated with an example, giving participants a clear conceptual understanding of its application and the factors to consider for producing valid and reliable results.

Presented by Dr Rushani Wijesuriya, Senior Biostatistician, Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics (CEBU), Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

• 2.00pm - 3:30pm AEST
• Cox-Walford Rooms, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville

Training session 4: Uncovering a treasure trove of cohort data for allergy research - An introduction to the LifeCourse platform

The Melbourne Children’s LifeCourse Initiative brings together 24 major longitudinal cohort studies, collectively following more than 118,000 participants at different stages across the lifespan, from conception to childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. This collaborative hub offers an unparallel breadth of data, including surveys, biosamples, imaging, and administrative linkages, creating a powerful resource for advancing research on health and development across the life span.

This session will demonstrate how LifeCourse enables researchers to discover and leverage these existing datasets, which offer a wealth of data to address critical questions in allergy and related fields. By integrating data across multiple cohorts, researchers can replicate findings, improve precision, and compare developmental pathways across diverse populations and contexts. This presentation will highlight examples of insights generated from cross-cohort research, provide a guided tour of the LifeCourse platform, and share forthcoming plans for the future of the initiative. For more information, visit: The Melbourne Children's LifeCourse.

Presented by Dr Meredith O'Connor, Head, LifeCourse Cohort Infrastructure and Tehani Paiva, Coordinator, Melbourne Children's LifeCourse Initiative, Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

• 3:45pm - 5.00pm AEST
• Cox-Walford Rooms, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville

Follow and tag us on X/Twitter: @NACEresearch and @CRE_CFAR; LinkedIn: @National Allergy Centre of Excellence for highlights of the day.