San Foundation Research Grants The recipients of the 2026 San Foundation Research Grants have been announced. Two San clinicians have each been awarded $25,000 to undertake pioneering research projects. Awarded annually by San Foundation, the grants fund innovative clinician-led research with the potential to improve patient outcomes, advance healthcare delivery, and reinforce the hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence. The next round of San Foundation Research Grant applications will open in February 2027. San clinicians with innovative research ideas are encouraged to consider applying and stay tuned for further information in the new year. San Foundation Where compassion meets innovation. Through the support of our clinicians, grateful patients and community, San Foundation helps fund research, innovation and initiatives that enhance care and improve outcomes for our patients. Contact us Learn more 1300 034 357 foundation@sah.org.au www.sanfoundation.org.au 185 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, NSW, 2076 Clinical Associate Professor Saurabh Gupta Clinical Director of Medicine, Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Clinical Associate Professor Saurabh Gupta’s project aims to develop and validate an artificial intelligence model that analyses endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging to improve the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. Professor Tristan Yan Director of Robotic and Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery Professor Tristan Yan’s research project will explore the full potential of the San’s new da Vinci 5 surgical system in complex cardiac and thoracic procedures using cadaveric models. San Clinical Trials Unit Clinical trials and medical research are essential drivers of progress in modern healthcare, providing the evidence base that allows clinicians to deliver safer, more effective, and more personalised treatments. They form the vital bridge between scientific discovery and real world patient care, ensuring that new drugs, devices, and interventions are rigorously evaluated before becoming part of standard practice. Clinical trials also expand options for patients with limited therapies, deepen understanding of health management, and help refine models of care to improve outcomes across populations. The benefits of clinical trials extend beyond individual participants. Hospitals with a research culture tend to provide better care, have more rapid uptake of newer treatment strategies and technologies, and have lower mortality rates. While clinical trials provide several benefits, participation is around 5% worldwide. This is partially due to persistent misconceptions, often rooted in historical unethical practices, leading to hesitation among potential participants. Other barriers to participation include limited availability of trials and restrictive eligibility criteria due to increasingly complexity in trials protocols. Medical practitioners, especially GPs, play a crucial role in the decision-making, as often they are the first point of care and can refer patient to a clinical trials centre. A well conducted informed consent process, together with a clear understanding of the legal and safety requirements that govern research, can help alleviate participants’ concerns and fears.
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