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Each year, ARCS Australia holds a conference to provide attendees with an opportunity to share learnings, hear updates from relevant agencies, and be inspired and discuss the future of the industry. 

In 2026, the conference will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Darling Harbour in Sydney, 10-12 June 2026. The theme of this year’s conference is "Life Sciences Unlocked: Shaping the Next Era".

ARCS Australia is offering up to twenty scholarships to cover the cost of registration for health consumers with an interest in becoming more acquainted with how the industry works, the challenges and opportunities being faced, and networking with those developing and the next generation of therapeutics.  

The scholarships cover registration costs only. At this time, there are no travel scholarships on offer, so applicants must be able to resource/finance their own transport to/from the conference as well as any accommodation costs.  

If you are a health consumer interested in attending to help you upskill in your understanding or work with the industry, please submit your expression of interest to attend by completing the form below by 30 April 2026. 

To apply for the scholarship, you must:

1. Identify primarily as a patient, carer or health consumer, not professionally involved in health and medical research/ the industry (other than as a consumer advocate/representative)

2. Be able to attend the meeting in person at least 1 day.

3. Complete the expressions of interest form below by 30 April 2026.

4. Consent to the information you provide on this form being used to facilitate registration (as appropriate).

5. Be contactable in May to discuss outcome of the scholarship

6. Complete the scholarship acceptance form (if selected), which will outline expectations of respect, confidentiality and appropriate social media use at the conference.

7. Be willing to accept the decision regarding the re award of scholarship of ARCS Australia.

Expressions of interest (EOI) will be assessed based on:

1. Ability and willingness to attend the meeting in person.

2. Your reasons for attending and the value you and/or other consumers will derive from your attendance.

3. A completed application form (Link to apply for EOI here).

There are a few quick questions on the application form, which we think will take 2-5mins to complete. Only one application per person is required - multiple applications will not increase your chance of selection. If you have any questions, please email arcs@arcs.com.au   

We will notify all applicants via email of the outcome of the applications no later than 15 May 2026.