A national submission calling for a Targeted Call for Research (TCR) in sepsis has been lodged through the Community Research Priorities Portal, led by patient and carer representatives from the Shaping Sepsis Care: Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) for Sepsis Research in Australia and the Sepsis Australia Consumer Partner and Advocacy Program (SACPAP).
Roxanne Zybenko‑Keane and Lynda Whiteway, two patient representatives on the PSP Steering Group, submitted the application on behalf of the broader consumer group.
The submission marks a key step following the PSP, ensuring that the agreed sepsis research priorities are communicated to researchers, funders, and national stakeholders. Advocates say targeted investment in sepsis research could improve outcomes for Australians by reducing mortality, strengthening early diagnosis and treatment, and addressing long‑term impacts experienced by survivors.
A TCR in sepsis would build on existing national initiatives and align Australia with international research priorities. It would also support research across the full continuum of care—from prevention and acute management to rehabilitation and survivorship—helping to accelerate progress, reduce duplication, and maximise the impact of future research funding.
