RSL Victoria to represent RSL Australia at international research conference
RSL Australia is stepping into the international research arena by presenting the results of the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Scoping Study at the 2026 Veterans Mental Health Conference in London next week, hosted through the Centre for Evidence for the Armed Forces Community and associated with the Forces in Mind Trust and King’s College London.
RSL Victoria State President, Dr Mark Schröffel, will be representing RSL Australia at the conference and engaging leading academics and researchers on evidence relating to the delivery of veteran services and improving health outcomes for veterans.
The RSL’s MEAO Scoping Study was commissioned by RSL Australia and delivered by Gallipoli Medical Research in collaboration with Griffith University and the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research.
The study is primarily focused on operations conducted in Afghanistan and Iraq over two decades from 2001 to 2021 and included service in support roles across the broader Middle East region. The study examines how counterinsurgency and stabilisation roles often blurred the boundaries between combat, peacekeeping and civil engagement.
It has been established that many MEAO veterans left service during or after a prolonged period of high operational tempo, often returning to civilian life without continuity of care, and to their communities, where there was a limited understanding of their experiences within the broader community.
Participation in the conference represents RSL Australia’s entry into the international research community as a partner in evidence-based support and policy development.
RSL Australia President, Peter Tinley said that “Mark’s academic background in veteran studies, and his experience with the conference in previous years, provides us with a unique opportunity to tap into the latest knowledge on what works in veteran support.”
“In addition to our active participation, there will be a range of other issues discussed and presented by global leaders that will be invaluable for the RSL in Australia.”
In addition to the conference, Mark will represent RSL Australia in meetings with the Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in London, and will present to the Head of Mission, AIRCDRE Matt Harper and Australian Defence Force personnel based at Australia House.
He will also meet with representatives from the Royal British Legion, the British Commonwealth Ex-Services League and Legacy.
Mark will transit via the Philippines to visit the Angeles City, and Subic Bay RSL Sub-Branches.
While attending the conference, and in the weeks after it, Dr Mark Schröffel will be on leave from RSL Victoria.
Lynn Mizen will assume the role of Acting President until 8 June.
