Sleep DownUnder - Hypersomnolence Australia Delegate Opportunity

We are excited to offer two people, one from the Idiopathic Hypersomnia community and one from the Narcolepsy community the opportunity to represent Hypersomnolence Australia at this year's Sleep DownUnder Conference.

What is Sleep DownUnder? Sleep DownUnder 2025 will be the 36th annual scientific meeting of the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) and the Australian and New Zealand Sleep Science Association (ANZSSA). This annual conference is aimed at sleep medicine professionals.

Sleep DownUnder provides evidence-based education to advance the science and clinical practice of sleep medicine. The conference disseminates cutting-edge sleep and circadian research, promotes the translation of basic science into clinical practice, and fosters the future of the field by providing career development opportunities. Sleep DownUnder brings together hundreds of individuals with a shared interest and expertise in sleep medicine, including pioneering leaders in the field.

Sleep DownUnder 2025 will be at the Adelaide Convention and Exhibition Centre from Wednesday 8 October and will conclude on Saturday 11 October. This includes a gala dinner that is held on Saturday 11th October.

Who can express an interest in attending Sleep DownUnder 2025?

Hypersomnolence Australia is seeking two individuals, one from the Idiopathic Hypersomnia community and one from the Narcolepsy community. We are looking for individuals who have prior experience in advocacy or consumer representation, or who have been actively involved in projects related to Idiopathic Hypersomnia or Narcolepsy - those with demonstrated involvement will be highly regarded. Ideal candidates will have a genuine interest in sleep research and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for people living with sleep disorders. While we recognise that applicants may have a stronger connection to either IH or Narcolepsy, we are seeking individuals with a broader interest in sleep health and a willingness to engage across both communities.

You must:       

• have a direct connection with either the Idiopathic Hypersomnia or Narcolepsy community.

• have prior experience in advocacy or consumer representation, or have been actively involved in projects related to Idiopathic Hypersomnia or Narcolepsy (those with demonstrated involvement will be highly regarded).

• have a keen interest in sleep research and advancing patient outcomes through advocacy and awareness.

• be interested in working with Hypersomnolence Australia in a volunteer capacity on future relevant advocacy and awareness projects.

• be aware that there may be, very little, if any Idiopathic Hypersomnia or Narcolepsy content at the conference.

• be available to attend every day of the conference from 8-11 October including the gala dinner.

Please note that mornings may start at 9am.

Why is this a great opportunity?

Sleep DownUnder provides a platform for researchers and clinicians to share their latest findings and advancements in sleep medicine. This presents a great opportunity for people living with Idiopathic Hypersomnia or Narcolepsy (or their carers) to gain valuable insights into how research is presented and disseminated, as well as to engage with researchers and actively participate in discussions. The selected candidates will attend the conference as representatives of Hypersomnolence Australia, alongside our founder and director Michelle Chadwick. We are looking for people who are interested in working with us on future awareness and advocacy initiatives. We hope that participating in Sleep DownUnder will empower you to become more informed advocates for the Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Narcolepsy communities. Important note: this delegate opportunity is not designed as a learning or educational event about IH or narcolepsy. Sleep DownUnder is a scientific and clinical conference primarily aimed at sleep researchers and healthcare professionals. In fact, it’s possible that IH/narcolepsy may not be discussed at all during the program.

Important information: * Sleep DownUnder 2025 will be held at the Adelaide Convention and Exhibition Centre. * Conference dates: 8-11 October. This includes a gala dinner held on Saturday night (11th October). * Candidates must be available to attend every day of the conference as well as the gala dinner. Please note that mornings may start at 9am. * This opportunity will cover the cost of conference registration fees which includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on each day of the conference and also the gala dinner. It does not cover any other costs you may incur eg: flights, accommodation, transport, parking and (other) meals etc.

Expressions of interests for this delegate opportunity must be received by 30th June. Successful candidates will be notified by email by 31st July. Click here to submit your expression of interest. Learn more about our delegate's experience at Sleep DownUnder 2024 here.

If you have any questions, please contact info@hypersomnolenceaustralia.org.au