Significant funding is being given to researchers to innovate methods of treating, detecting and monitoring cancer. Photo: Iakob Chuk.
The Victorian Allan Government is giving the next generation of oncologists and cancer researchers a boost with a new four-year research program.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced the first cohort of recipients, who are benefitting from a $41.2 million scheme named Cancer Research Fellowships Victoria (CRFV).
Delivered in collaboration with the Cancer Council, CRFV strengthens the state’s cancer research landscape and speeds up the development of innovative treatments, therapies and diagnostic tools.
“Victorian researchers are global leaders in fighting cancer — that’s why we are continuing to invest in the people and projects that drive better public cancer care and work towards our ultimate goal of a cancer-free state,” Ms Thomas said.
The CRFV also supports the state’s researchers to access philanthropic funding and increase competition among fellows to secure national financial support.
Over four years of investment, fellowships will be awarded to up to 24 early-career cancer researchers at a rate of six a year and 40 mid-career postdoctoral researchers at a rate of 10 a year — with funding up to $450,000 over three years and up to $700,000 over four years, respectively.
Among the 18 inaugural fellowships awarded this year, there are eight early-career and 10 mid-career researchers.
One of these recipients is Dr Bonnita Werner, from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and University of Melbourne, who has been awarded a $450,000 three-year fellowship in support of her research into new immunotherapy methods for treating ovarian cancer.
This project aims to make a major contribution to a world-first study of antibodies produced by long-term survivors of cancer, possibly leading to the development of new and more refined immunotherapies for those with high-grade serous carcinoma.
Another recipient, Dr Raymond Yip, from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, has received a four-year mid-career fellowship to improve methods of detecting, treating and monitoring multiple myeloma.
Another mid-career fellowships recipient, Dr Andrew Guirguis, from the Olivia Newton‑John Cancer Research Institute, is working to stop “pre‑leukaemia” blood disorders from progressing into aggressive leukaemia.
The CRFV scheme is part of the government’s broader Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-2028, which focuses on translating research into treatments and approaches that improve clinical practice and patient care.
It is the third cancer plan legislated in the state, which aims to improve the cancer survival rate by increasing access to care, support and treatment. The Victorian Government says it achieved the goal of saving 10,000 lives by 2025.
“These fellowships are about backing the next generation of researchers, giving them the support they need to take the next step in their careers and deliver the breakthroughs that matter to Victorians and people around the world,” Ms Thomas said.
