Andrew and Liam Principal Research Officers
Metro South Health’s new research development service is helping staff transform their ideas into high-quality, ethically sound research projects that can improve health outcomes.
The service, launched in January 2025, is led by Principal Research Development Officers Andrew Wetzig and Liam Maclachlan, who bring both clinical and scientific experience to the role.
“Our job is to support researchers right from the beginning,” said Andrew.
“We help shape their ideas, choose the right methods, and prepare strong documentation. By improving the quality of submissions, we can reduce the back and forth with research ethics and governance, saving researchers time and frustration. We help clear the weeds out of the path as such.”
The pair have already supported more than 140 researchers across Metro South Health in just six months. Their work spans everything from refining research questions to preparing protocols, patient information consent forms and risk assessments.
“We know health professionals are incredibly time poor and often doing research after hours. Our job is to make that as easy as possible, so their valuable ideas aren’t lost in the paperwork,” said Liam.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 90 per cent of survey respondents saying they were “very satisfied” with the support received. One researcher noted that the service helped them secure ethics approval on their second attempt after previously struggling alone.
“Many people tell us they wish they’d found the service earlier,” said Andrew.
“That’s why we encourage staff to contact us at the very start of their project, the earlier we’re involved, the more we can help.”
Requests for support have come from every corner of Metro South Health, from allied health to orthopaedics, and the service is now working to secure ongoing funding beyond its pilot stage.
“As part of Metro South’s strategic plan, research and innovation are a core pillar,”
“This service is about enabling health professionals at all levels to contribute to that vision.”
As Metro South Health prepares to launch its new Research and Innovation Strategy, the pair see the service as playing a central role in enabling staff across all disciplines to contribute to research and innovation.
“Ultimately, we want every staff member, clinical or non-clinical, to feel that research is accessible, supported, and part of our shared mission to improve health outcomes,” said Liam.
Staff considering research can read more about the service at Research Development Service.