Consumer Panels in Health Research at La Trobe
La Trobe ensures that the voice of lived experience is heard through our network of consumer panels.
Involving consumers and communities through our network of panels embeds the voices of people with lived experience in our research.
To ensure we meet the health needs of our communities, researchers need to hear from people who might benefit from what they are investigating.
La Trobe University has several Consumer Panels to assist us with our health research. Consumer Panels are made up of people with lived experience. They can help influence research design and enhance researchers' understanding. Most importantly, they bring into focus the needs and experiences of our diverse communities – helping to translate health research into real health outcomes.
There are currently five Consumer Panels at La Trobe University. More will be coming online throughout 2026.
Any researcher, from any university or organisation, is welcome to request advice from panel members, at any stage of their research.
Consumer and community involvement in research
Information for:
Researchers
- Researchers wishing to involve members of one or more panels should complete this application form. Once we understand your requirements, we will be in touch with a quote to use this service.
- Approval of panel involvement is at the discretion of panel convenors. The application form represents the start of a conversation with panel convenors, and individual panels may have additional requirements.
- Please allow at least 2 weeks for panel convenors to respond.
- If you are a La Trobe researcher, you can access additional support here.
Panel convenors
You will be alerted by email if someone has submitted a request to involve members of your panel in developing a grant.
After receiving an application form, convenors should reach out to the researcher/s requesting access to the panel. You may wish to discuss the request with panel members first.
- If you approve the request, please advise the researcher/s on the appropriate mode of approach (e.g. can they contact panel members directly, or will you mediate).
- If they have requested access to the Research Office support, please pay your members the agreed rate using the WBS provided to you upon registering your panel for the scheme.
- If you do not believe the request is suited to your panel, please advise the researcher/s and let them know whether or not you would be prepared to consider a revised proposal.
- If you need advice or assistance, please reach out to impact@latrobe.edu.au.
Consumer panels play an important role in health research.
They are made up of people with lived experience - and can help influence research design and enhance researchers' understanding.
There are currently five Consumer Panels at La Trobe University.
Our recommended payment rates can be found here: Payment guidance, Research, Consumer Advisory Panels, La Trobe University
Not all panels are currently seeking new members. Please see below for more information.
Available panels
Panels coming in 2026
Connect with us
If you would like to know more, or join us as a partner, or help us recruit panel members, we would love to hear from you.