This World Cancer Day, Cure Cancer marks another step in its mission to fund some of Australia’s most promising cancer researchers. As part of its 2025 initiative, the charity will be supporting ten scientists who are tackling some of the most difficult and prevalent cancers in the country. The theme of this year’s World Cancer Day, United by Unique, echoes the need for personalised, innovative approaches to cancer care, while also recognising the collective effort required in the fight against this devastating disease.
Every year, over 145,000 Australians are diagnosed with cancer, underscoring the need for ongoing research and improved treatments. Behind these statistics are countless personal stories, each one calling for care that is as unique as the individual facing it. Cure Cancer’s dedication to supporting emerging researchers aims to ensure that these stories have a better chance at happy endings.
The researchers being funded this year are spread across various cancer types, from lung and breast cancers to more specific and less-publicised cancers like neuroblastoma and childhood sarcoma. These researchers are working at some of Australia’s leading institutions, including UNSW Sydney, the University of Queensland, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and WEHI. Their work is designed to push boundaries and open doors to new treatments that will improve patient outcomes in Australia and around the world.
As Nikki Kinloch, CEO of Cure Cancer, explains, the need for investment in new research is pressing. “Cancer affects over 145,000 Australians every year, but behind every statistic is a unique story, a person who deserves care, hope, and innovative solutions,” she says. Kinloch’s commitment to funding early-stage research reflects a belief in the potential of fresh minds to alter the future of cancer care. She adds, “That’s why we continue to invest in emerging researchers—scientists with bold ideas who can transform the future of cancer care.”
For over 50 years, Australian cancer research has been instrumental in delivering breakthroughs that have had a direct impact on survival rates, including the creation of the Gardasil vaccine. These advancements highlight the importance of supporting new research, as even the most innovative ideas often begin in their earliest stages. The funding provided by Cure Cancer is designed to give these emerging scientists the chance to explore new avenues and continue pushing forward in their fields.
A/Prof Fernando Guimaraes, Chair of Cure Cancer’s Research Committee, adds to this sentiment, explaining the value of supporting early-career researchers. “Emerging researchers bring fresh perspectives, and the creativity needed to tackle cancer in all its complexity. By providing them with early support, we are working together to advance global efforts in cancer care while respecting the unique challenges faced by individuals.”
This year’s funded researchers cover a wide range of cancer types, each with its own unique set of challenges. Dr Zhian Chen, based at the University of Queensland, will be working on lung cancer, while Dr Sarah Diepstraten at WEHI will focus on blood cancer. Meanwhile, Dr Kevin Fenix at the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, University of Adelaide, will explore metastatic bowel cancer, aiming to make strides in treatment options for this aggressive cancer.
There are also innovative projects aimed at treating breast cancers. Dr Luis Lara Gonzalez, from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the University of Melbourne, will address HER2-positive breast cancer, while Dr Kellie Mouchemore at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, La Trobe University, will work on triple-negative breast cancer. These projects, both of which focus on harder-to-treat breast cancers, reflect a commitment to addressing some of the most challenging subtypes.
Furthering research in metastatic cancer, Dr Robert Ju from the University of Queensland will focus on the widespread nature of the disease, while A/Prof Arutha Kulasinghe, also from the University of Queensland, is working to improve understanding and treatment for lung cancer.
In paediatric cancer, two projects are making headway. A/Prof Orazio Vittorio from UNSW Sydney will tackle neuroblastoma, a cancer most commonly affecting young children, while Dr Ben Wylie from The Kids Research Institute Australia and the University of Western Australia will be researching childhood sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. These projects represent hope for parents facing the unimaginable as they seek better treatments for their children.
Finally, Dr Aparna Rao at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, will be working on melanoma, a cancer that continues to have high rates of mortality in Australia, especially among those with fair skin. Her work is designed to bring new insights into treatment methods and outcomes for this growing concern.
For Cure Cancer, funding emerging researchers is not just about improving survival rates but about ensuring that every cancer patient receives treatment tailored to their specific needs. Supporting new researchers, who often face limited funding and job security, allows for the exploration of bold, new ideas that may have been dismissed by more established names. These researchers are the ones who will form the foundation for the next generation of cancer treatments, so it’s essential to provide them with the support they need to thrive.
Melbourne //Pic supplied
The urgency of this support is evident when considering the future of cancer care. Without new blood in the field, progress would slow down. Emerging researchers bring with them creativity and a fresh perspective, making them the perfect candidates for addressing the complex, multi-faceted nature of cancer. The funding provided by Cure Cancer ensures that these researchers can explore uncharted territories in cancer care, without the burden of financial stress that often hampers early-stage research.
Cure Cancer’s funding program has already supported over 560 research projects, with the 2025 grants adding 11 more to that total. This continued investment is not only a testament to the power of collaboration but also to the ability of a community to rally behind a common cause. By supporting scientists and institutions working across a range of cancer types, Cure Cancer helps to unite both the researchers and the people who benefit from their work. The charity’s efforts are a reminder that the fight against cancer is global, and that the advances needed to improve patient care are within reach.
Cure Cancer’s ongoing commitment to funding early-stage research is about far more than just the numbers. It’s about giving hope to the 145,000 Australians diagnosed with cancer every year. It’s about ensuring that each person who faces this battle can access the very best care and treatment.
The message this World Cancer Day is clear: unity is the key. By coming together, researchers, institutions, and the wider community can drive innovation and support every individual’s fight against cancer. It is through the efforts of the emerging researchers funded by Cure Cancer that real change will come.
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