The KOALA Network brings together lived experience participants, clinicians, researchers, and health services from across the country who are dedicated to advancing the understanding of post‑acute COVID‑19 conditions.

The network provides a structured national platform to share findings, review emerging scientific evidence, and exchange clinical insights. Drawing on expertise from major Australian universities and research institutes, the group meets monthly to foster collaboration, shape the future direction of post‑COVID‑19 research, and support evidence‑based practice. With a strong focus on the long‑term health impacts of COVID‑19, the network plays an important role in informing clinical care and contributing to national health policy on post‑acute COVID conditions. 

As part of this initiative, we are hosting monthly online meetings, offering opportunities to: 
– Share research results, service models, clinical trials, and clinical insights 
– Learn from national and international colleagues 
– Identify opportunities for collaboration and joint projects 
– Great opportunity for PhD students and EMCRs to share their work at a national level 
– Advertise your study here
 
The Australian network will also offer an online with a website to share your expertise, clinical trials, recruitment flyer …  
 
If you are interested in joining the network contact us.

2026 KOALA meetings

MARCH 2026 – establish the national network, new name, discussion

APRIL 2026 – report on survey for the national network, discussion
Presentation by Prof Kirsty Short, University of Queensland, QLD

MAY 2026 – Discussion, long COVID conference organisation
Presentation by Dr Kiran Thapaliya, Griffith University, QLD 

JUNE 2026 – Discussion about new MRFF call & project ideas, update on the Long COVID conference organisation
No presentation

JULY 2026 –
Presentation by Tanya Buettikofer & Prof Bernie Bissett, University of Canberra, ACT

AUGUST 2026 –
Presentation by Prof Magdalena Plebanski, RMIT, VIC

SEPTEMBER 2026 –
Presentation by Dr Marcel Doerflinger, WEHI, VIC

OCTOBER 2026 –
Free spot to present, reach out !

NOVEMEBR 2026 –
Presentation by Dr Emily Eriksson, WEHI, VIC