Avant Foundation 2026: Creating transformational change in healthcare
Detecting non-technical errors in surgical practice and implementing coaching to improve patient safety
We’re proud to announce that Adelaide University has received our $1 million Avant Foundation Transformation Grant to improve surgical safety. Led by Professor Guy Maddern, the project will identify non-technical errors in areas such as communication, decision-making, teamwork and leadership, which contribute to approximately 64% of surgical mortality cases in Australia. The research will use these insights to develop targeted coaching for surgical teams, with the potential to reduce preventable harm and improve patient outcomes.
To read about our Transformation Grant winner and runners up, click here.
From paramedic to doctor: Matthew McGregor's commitment to Indigenous community
As the 2026 Avant Foundation AIDA Bursary recipient, Matthew McGregor is more than a medical student – he’s a future doctor committed to improving health equity and bringing culturally safe care closer to home for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. A proud Darug man and former paramedic, Matthew has already contributed to his community through volunteering with Merana Aboriginal Community Association for the Hawkesbury, providing transport for Elders and older community members. Now studying medicine at Western Sydney University, his journey is grounded in community, culture, service and a commitment to lifelong learning.
The bursary supports Indigenous students like Matthew by helping remove financial barriers to medical education and supporting the next generation of culturally safe healthcare professionals. To read more about our bursary program, click here.
Home sweet home: delivering healthcare in a warming world
As Australia experiences more frequent and intense heatwaves, Monash University and infectious diseases physician Dr Michael Loftus are investigating how extreme heat affects Hospital-in-the-Home patients and services. The research will monitor temperatures and medication storage in the homes of 80 patients across metropolitan and regional Victoria, while exploring practical solutions to keep care safe during extreme heat. The project aims to build more climate-resilient healthcare services while ensuring patients can continue to receive safe, sustainable care at home.
To read about more of our Research Grant recipients, click here.
Supporting doctors to lead change: Member Grants in action
Through Avant Foundation Member Grants, doctors like Dr Alireza Ahmadvand are exploring how innovation can improve the way healthcare is delivered. This year’s Miss Elizabeth Lewis Award recipient, Dr Ahmadvand is investigating whether artificial intelligence (AI) medical scribes can safely and accurately support clinicians during complex mental health consultations.
His research evaluates four AI scribe platforms across simulated consultations involving conditions including anxiety, depression, psychosis, mania, self-harm and somatisation. The study examines whether these emerging technologies can accurately capture important clinical information and reduce the time clinicians spend on administrative tasks. Ultimately, the goal is not simply faster documentation, but better and safer care for patients.
To read about more of our Member Grant recipients, click here.
