Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Postgraduate Research Scholarships
Thanks to the generous support of our donors we're able to fund scientific studies and clinical research in Victoria's hospitals, universities and medical research institutes, via our grants-in-aid, fellowships and scholarships program (worth nearly $4 million in 2007).
Each year we conduct a year-long selection process for cancer researchers seeking funding via our competitive, peer reviewed grants-in-aid program. We also have 4 senior research fellowships - the Carden, Colebatch, Dunlop and Lions Fellowships.
We've also awarded young researchers scholarships as they embark on postgraduate studies in cancer research, and provided postdoctoral fellowships for newly qualified cancer researchers to bridge the gap between being a student and a fully-fledged cancer researcher.
Find out more about our research funding program.
Below is a full list of the projects we're funding in 2008. As well as Victorian based projects, there are also a number of multi-state cancer research projects for which we fund the Victorian component. For the multi-state projects, the home state of each principal investigator is indicated in brackets after their name.
The Venture Grants Scheme is a new initiative designed to fund projects that push the conventional boundaries. Successful projects were selected via a competitive application process and their continued funding is dependent on key milestones being met. We have provided seed funding for the first 6-18 months and extra funds are being sought to enable these projects to continue for their full duration, between 3-5 years.
Dr Warren Alexander, Dr Benjamin Kile & Professor Andreas Strasser
The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Cancer & Haematology Division
Scanning the genome for new drug targets in cancer
Duration of seed funding: 2007-2008
Seed Funding: $244,500
Dr Jane Visvader, Dr Ian Street, A/Prof Geoffrey Lindeman, Dr Keith Watson & Dr Marie-Liesse Asselin-Labat
The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division / VBCRC Laboratory
Developing lead compounds to target breast cancer by specific inhibition of the LMO4-oncogene
Duration of seed funding: 2007-2008
Seed Funding: $140,750
Carden Fellowship
Professor Emeritus Don Metcalf
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Division of Cancer & Haematology
Regulatory control of normal and leukaemic cells
Duration: 1954 -
Funding: $200,000 per annum
Colebatch Fellowship
A/Prof Kelly-Anne Phillips
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Division of Clinical Haematology & Medical Oncology
Reducing the burden of breast cancer
Duration: 2006 - 2010
Funding: $144,500 per annum for five years
Dunlop Fellowship
A/Prof Grant McArthur
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Divisions of Research & Clinical Haematology/Medical Oncology
Development of targeted therapies for cancer
Duration: 2006 - 2010
Funding: $144,500 per annum for five years
Early Career Clinical Research Fellowship
Dr Kirsten Herbert
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Division of Clinical Haematology & Medical Oncology
The use of novel therapies in stem cell transplantation treatments for cancer
This project will explore the role of novel agents for stem cell treatments in cancer. It will slso explore novel stem cell-based therapies for transplantation in cancer. The results will lead to improved treatment and accessibility to treatments for cancer.
Duration: 2008-2011
Funding: $75,000 per annum
Lions Fellowship
Dr Bob Anderson
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Autoimmunity & Transplantation Division
Duration: 2003 -
Funding: $20,000 per annum
Dr Robin Anderson, Dr Izhak Haviv, Mr Joshy George
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
What genes control the establishment of breast cancer metastases to the lung and bone?
This project aims to identify the genes that control the spread of breast cancer to lung and bone. Knowledge of these genes will enable development of new therapies for advanced breast cancer.
Duration: 2008
Funding: $100,000
Prof Leon Bach, A/Prof Gregory Rice
The Alfred Hospital
Dept of Endocrinology
How do proteins regulate cell behaviour?
This project explores the behaviour of a protein in cancer cells. The results may lead to new treatments for cancer based on this protein.
Duration: 2007-2009
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
Dr Weisan Chen
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
Identify the best anti-tumour T cell responses to optimize future vaccine
This project explores the role of a group of molecules on cancer cell surface that display fragmented cancer proteins to the specific killer T cells. The results will potentially lead to better vaccine approaches incorporating individual cancer patients' genetic information.
Duration: 2006-2008
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
Prof Christopher Christophi, Prof Peter Angus & Mr Vijayaragavan Muralidharan
The University of Melbourne
Dept of Surgery
Liver tumours and the Renin Angiotensin System
This project explores the role of local hormone system interactions in liver cancer. These hormone systems may be able to be blocked by drugs leading to the possibility of alternative treatment to this disease.
Duration: 2007-2009
Funding: $66,875 per annum for three years
Dr Phillip Darcy, Dr Michael Kershaw & A/Prof Joseph Trapani
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Immunotherapy of Lewis Y+ malignancy
This project investigates the use of an genetically enhanced immune system for the development of cancer therapy. We anticipate that the proposed studies will produce a clearer picture of the requirements for producing an effective response against tumour using genetically engineered white blood cells, and bring us closer to helping those afflicted by cancer.
Duration: 2007-2009
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
Dr Lisa Ebert
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
The role of regulatory T cells in reducing the effectiveness of a cancer vaccine
This project will explore why an experimental melanoma vaccine appears to generate an anti-tumour immune response in some patients but not in others. These results may lead to modifications to the vaccine to make it more effective.
Duration: 2007-2008
Funding: $65,000 per annum for two years
Dr Walter (Douglas) Fairlie, Dr David Huang
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
Inhibiting Bcl-2 proteins for cancer therapy
This project aims to better understand the natural process of Programmed Cell Death which often goes awry in cancer cells. We expect the results will lead to new therapeutic strategies for targeting tumours in cancer patients.
Duration: 2007-2009
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
Prof Peter Fuller
Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research
This study aims to identify the cause of a specific type of ovarian cancer, granulosa cell tumours. Understanding the molecular causes will aid in the development of specific treatments.
Duration: 2006-2008
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
Dr Caroline Gargett
Monash University
Identifying adult stem cells in normal and cancerous uterus
This project aims to identify adult stem cells in tumours to examine their role in the development of cancer. It may lead to the development of radical new treatments that target cancer stem cells.
Duration: 2008-2010
Funding: $100,000 in 2008, $93,500 in 2009, $93,500 in 2010
A/Prof Matthew Gillespie
St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research
How does PTHrP protect cells against DNA damage, but increases cell death?
The project explores the role of one protein commonly expressed by breast cancers, that promotes these tumours to grow in bone. We have identified that this same molecule makes these cells more susceptible to a novel anti-cancer agent. We wish to explore how this protein sensitises cells to anticancer treatment, such that we can improve more effective cancer targeting and treatment.
Duration: 2008
Funding: $100,000
Dr Christine Hawkins, A/Prof David Ashley & Prof Henry Friedman
Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Factors influencing sensitivity to a novel anti-cancer agent in incurable brain cancer
This study explores the possible utility of a candidate new therapeutic agent, TRAIL, for use in the brain cancer malignant glioma. We expect to define the molecular factors that control the susceptability of glioma cells to TRAIL-induced death.
Duration: 2006-2008
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
Dr Patrick Humbert
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
The Role of Scribble in cancer
This project explores the role of cell orientation in the development and spread of tumours. Understanding how the key genes that regulate cell orientation and movement operate will provide new therapeutic avenues for treatment of aggressive and metastatic cancers.
Duration: 2007-2009
Funding: $68,652 per annum for three years
Dr Brendan Jenkins, Dr Ashley Mansell, Dr Richard Ferrero
Monash University
Modulation of pathogen recognition receptors by cytokines in gastric cancer
This project aims to understand how a specific mutation in a gene called gp130 causes stomach inflammation (gastritis) and cancer. These results can also increase our understanding of how inflammation promotes other types of cancer (eg. colon).
Duration: 2008-2010
Funding: $98,900 per annum for three years
Dr Andrew Kneebone (NSW), Dr Scott Williams (VIC), Prof Gillian Duchesne (VIC), A/Prof Richard Fisher (VIC), A/Prof Mark Frydenberg (VIC)
A phase III trial comparing adjuvant versus salvage radiotherapy for high risk patients post radical prostatectomy
Nearly half of cancer patients having an operation to remove the prostate will have a high risk of recurrence. Giving immediate radiotherapy to all such patients will improve cure rates but does not benefit all men and can cause significant side effects. This study will explore whether it is safe to only give radiotherapy when there is a rising PSA after surgery indicating active cancer. A total of 420 men from Australasia will enter this study comparing these two approaches.
Duration: 2008-2010
Funding: $100,000 in 2008; $98,000 in 2009; $98,000 in 2010
A/Prof Geoffrey Lindeman (Vic), Dr Gillian Mitchell (Vic) & Dr Alan Stapleton (SA)
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
The IMPACT Study
This project is investigating whether a yearly blood test for a marker, prostate specific antigen (PSA), is useful to detect prostate cancer in men carrying an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Such mutations are believed to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. We will also study whether the cancers that arise in BRCA carriers differ in any way to common forms of prostate cancer. Blood and tissue samples will also be collected to assist with the discovery of potential new markers of prostate cancer.
Duration: 2006-2008
Funding: $63,300 per annum for three years
A/Prof Jun-Ping Liu
Monash University
BMP7 regulation of telomerase
This project determines the role of growth factor BMP7 in regulating the size of chromosome end (telomere) and thereby cell lifespan. Preliminary data showed that BMP7 inhibits breast cancer cells by causing telomere shortening. Further studies will establish specificities and mechanisms of action of BMP7 through BMP7 receptors in breast cancer cells.
Duration: 2008
Funding: $95,000
Prof James McCluskey & Dr Jamie Rossjohn
University of Melbourne
Dept of Microbiology & Immunology
NKT cell recognition
The research aims to solve the structure and shape of the receptor used by a special group of T lymphocytes called NKT cells, thought to play a key role in protection against certain types of cancer.
Duration: 2006-2008
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
A/Prof Michael McKay, Dr Huiling Xu
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Study of radiation responses in the body and cancers
This project studies the role of an importrant gene in contributing to the radiation response in humans. It may lead to better radiotherapy outcomes and cancer cures.
Duration: 2008-2010
Funding: $100,000 per annum for three years
A/Prof Harshal Nandurkar, A/Prof Lynda Campbell, Dr Andrew Wei
St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne
Identification of new oncogenes in the development of acute myeloid luekaemias and myelodysplastic syndromes
Duration: 2008
Funding: $62,750
A/Prof Edouard Nice, Dr Peter Gibbs, Dr Lara Lipton
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
Colon cancer biomarkers
Early detection of disease and accurate monitoring following treatment of colorectal cancer are important for optimising individual patient outcomes and improving overall survival. To date no such method exists. There is therefore an urgent need to develop robust and affordable tests that can meet the current need for primary screening and accurate follow-up of colorectal cancer. We are currently developing novel sensitive, specific, validated biosensor technologies for the detection and monitoring of colorectal cancer.
Duration: 2007-2009
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
Dr Richard Pearson
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Role of the protein kinase AKT3 in cancer
This project aims to understand how a critical family of enzymes are re-regulated during tumour formation and progression to enable the development of inhibitors that will be useful in the treatment of cancer.
Duration: 2008-2010
Funding: $100,000 per annum for three years
Prof Geoffrey Pietersz
Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health
Vaccine for Breast Cancer
This project will investigate the design and testing of a vaccine that could prevent breast cancer in a majority of women. The principle, once validated, will be applicable in other cancers as well.
Duration: 2008-2010
Funding $92,346 per annum for three years
Dr Leonie Quinn
University of Melbourne
The steroid hormone, Ecdysone, affects Wg/Wnt signaling to promote cell proliferation via the zinc finger factor, Crol
The project explores the genes important for controlling tissue growth and division. Understanding how these genes work is essential as loss of growth control will result in inappropriate cell division, which is a leading cause of cancer initiation.
Duration: 2008
Funding: $100,000
A/Prof Robert Ramsay, A/Prof Ivan Bertoncello & Prof Evan Stanley
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Studies on an essential factor for gut growth
The intestines represent a major site for cancer. In addition the normal intestines are very sensitive to the side-effects of cancer treatment. We are exploring a molecular pathway that is involved in both contexts.
Duration: 2006-2008
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
Prof Gail Risbridger & Dr Stephen McPherson
Monash Institute of Medical Research
Early origins of prostate cancer
This project explores whether changes in hormone levels immediately after birth increases the risk of a man developing prostate cancer as he gets older. If this can be shown, it will dramatically increase our understanding of what might cause prostate cancer and potentially lead to new diagnostic tests or new treatment procedures.
Duration: 2006-2008
Funding: $70,000 in 2006, $67,000 in 2007, $66,000 in 2008
Dr Sarah Russell, Dr Helena Richardson
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Elucidating the regulation of leukemia development
This project explores the role of a group of molecules that dictate how the shape of cells influences progression of cancer in white blood cells. The results will lead to better diagnostic and treatment approaches for cancer.
Duration: 2007-2009
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
Dr Borislav Sarcevic
St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research
SAP180 and RBP1 are novel CDK substrates regulating the tumour suppressor pRb
This project explores one group of molecules which cause cancer cells to grow uncontrollably. This research may lead to the development of new drugs against these molecules to inhibit cancer cell growth.
Duration: 2008-2010
Funding: $100,000 per annum for three years
Prof Arthur Shulkes, Dr Joseph Ischia, A/Prof Graham Baldwin, A/Prof Damien Bolton
University of Melbourne
ProGRP as a biomarker for prostate cancer
The aim of this proposal is to determine the role of a particular growth factor called GRP in the development of prostate cancer. The tumour makes GRP so measurement of GRP in the circulation and in the tumour itself may be a useful marker of the severity of the disease while blocking the effect of GRP may be an effective treatment.
Duration: 2008-2010
Funding: $100,000 per annum for three years
Prof Mark Smyth
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Combined therapy of established cancer
We propose to mobilize the body's immune system against established cancer. We believe we have discovered key points in the immune network and by combining agents that target those points we can eradicate a larger proportion of cancers.
Duration: 2008-2010
Funding: $100,000 per annum for three years
Dr David Thomas, A/Prof Paul Simmons
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Osteosarcoma is a devastating disease which affects younger people at the most productive time of their lives. We seek to identify new weaknesses in osteosarcoma which may lead to the development of new, effective therapies.
Duration: 2007-2009
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
A/Prof Erik Thompson, A/Prof Alexander Dobrovic, Prof Peter Choong, Dr Prue Hill, A/Prof Michael Henderson, Prof Klaus Pantel
Dynamic EMT and MET in Breast Cancer
The project explores the exciting possibility that cells which escape into the blood stream exhibit a phenotype reminiscent of certain developmental phases. Confirmation of this will provide new treatment avenues and new opportunities for diagnosis.
Duration: 2008-2010
Funding: $95,100 in 2008, $94,700 in 2009, $95,700 in 2010
Dr Philip Thompson, Prof Bert Vogelstein
Monash University
Dept of Medicinal Chemistry
A model system for assessing a novel target in cancer therapy
The objective of this work is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of compounds that selectively block the activity of a genetically altered enzyme, PI3 kinase, that is found in many cancers. While such drugs have massive potential as "magic bullets"for the effective and safe treatment of cancers, no such compounds are known. We will engineer model biological systems that allow us to preview how effective these drugs might be. The results will have a significant bearing on the direction of this exciting new area of anti-cancer drug design.
Duration: 2007-2009
Funding: $66,750 per annum for three years
Dr Tony Tiganis
Monash University
Dept of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Regulation of Src in cancer
This project explores the molecular basis for tumour formation and may lead to the identification of novel diagnostics or treatment approaches.
Duration: 2006-2008
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
A/Prof Paul Vasey (NSW), A/Prof Michael Quinn (Vic), Prof John Simes (NSW), A/Prof Michael Friedlander (NSW), Dr Martin Buck (Qld) & Dr Bogda Koczwara (SA)
Royal Women's Hospital
SCOTROC4 - Carboplatin Escalation in patients with ovarian cancer
Platinum based chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for ovarian cancer. This study will explore whether increasing the dose of the drug will improve survival rates without being too toxic.
Duration: 2006-2008
Funding: $30,000 in 2006, $36,000 in 2007, $38,000 in 2008
Dr Neil Wetzig (QLD), A/Prof Grantley Gill (SA), A/Prof Owen Ung (NSW), A/Prof John Collins (VIC), Dr David Oliver (WA)
Royal Melbourne Hospital
SNAC2: A randomised trial of extending sentinel node based management to women with larger or multifocal breast cancers
SNAC2 will determine if sentinel node biopsy causes less arm problems than axillary clearance. It will better inform women and surgeons about the pros and cons of sentinel node biopsy in a wider range of circumstances.
Duration: 2007-2009
Funding: $30,000 per annum for three years
Dr Elizabeth Williams, A/Prof Kenneth Opeskin, Ms Catherine Temelcos
Monash Institute of Medical Research
Why does prostate cancer spread to lymph nodes?
This project explores how prostate cancer spreads from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly lymph nodes, and may lead to the development of new treatments to stop cancer cells escaping from the prostate.
Duration: 2007-2008
Funding: $70,000 per annum for two years
Dr Li Wu
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
Human dendritic cell development
This project studies the development and function of an important human immune cell type, known as dendritic cells. The results will lead to better design of effective vaccines and treatments for cancer.
Duration: 2007-2009
Funding: $70,000 per annum for three years
Ms Katherine Baran
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Cancer Immunology Program
A functional analysis of the lymphocyte toxin perforin - a key player in cancer cell death
Miss Priscilla Kelly
Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division
The role of Bcl-x and Mcl-1 in the development and sustained growth of Myc-induced lymphoma and leukemia
Ms Erinna Lee
Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division
The route to cell death activation
Dr Ian Majewski
Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Molecular Medicine Division
Epigenetic modifiers and their contributioin to leukaemia pathogenesis
Ms Maria Moeller
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Cancer Immunology Research
Genetic modification of CD4+ T cell subsets for cancer immunotherapy
Mr Mark van Delft
Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division
Manipulating cell death pathways for cancer therapy
Ms Sally Amos
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Improving immunotherapy of cancer by enhancing tumour penetration by specific lymphocytes
Mr Matthew Anaka
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
Targeting melanoma stem cells
Dr Frances Barnett
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
The detection of early biomarkers and prognostic biomarkers in the blood of patients with colon cancer
Ms Imogen Elsum
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
The role of Discs Large 5 (Dlg5) in cancer
Ms Clare Fedele
Monash University
Dept of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Type II inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase - a putative tumour suppressor gene?
Dr Yasmin Jayasinghe
Murdoch Children's Research Institute
The oncogenic risk of Human Papillomavirus in children and adolescents: risk-factors for early onset cervical carcinoma and high-grade dysplasia
Ms Dharini Kethesparan
Monash University
Dept of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Regulation of cellular proliferation and cell survival by the 72 kDa 5 phosphatase
Dr Sze Ting Lee
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
In-vivo assessment of tumour hypoxia in metastatic liver disease from colorectal carcinoma
Miss Erinna Naik
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Dept of Medical Biology
Identification of the apoptotic regulators that contribute to the suppression of UV-induced skin carcinogenesis
Miss Manasa Ramakrishna
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Identification of novel ovarian cancer genes using a cross-platform, integrative genomics approach
Dr Warren Rozen
University of Melbourne
Jack Brockhoff REconstructive Plastic Surgery Research Unit
Improving operative outcomes for DIEA perforator flaps in post-mastectomy breast reconstructive surgery: an anatomical and clinical study
Ms Natalie Thomas
Monash University
Dept of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
The development of a new generation of anti-cancer therapeutics: hyaluronan synthase inhibitory molecules
Miss Christina Wong
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Hypoxia signalling in breast cancer and metastasis
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