The Minns Labor Government is delivering over $11 million in funding to support novel cancer research projects, including research into incurable childhood brain cancer Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to personalise and enhance breast cancer treatment.
Delivered by Cancer Institute NSW, the Research Fellowships program will support 18 early and mid-career researchers from metro and regional NSW to strengthen and expand research that could shape the future of cancer care.
These fellowships include:
- 12 Early Career Fellowships to support emerging researchers as they establish themselves as independent leaders in cancer research.
- Six Career Development Fellowships to support researchers whose projects show potential to signifcantly improve cancer outcomes.
The Early Career Fellowships include projects to accelerate personalised treatment for breast cancer using AI, test a promising new therapy for endometrial cancer and optimise psychosocial care for families of children with poor prognosis cancers.
While the Career Development Fellowships include projects to investigate the developmental origins of incurable childhood cancer Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Children are diagnosed with DIPG across an age spectrum, often 6-8 years and pass away within the 12-months of diagnosis as it impacts vital functions, including vision, swallowing, breathing, and heart rate.
Since 2004, Cancer Institute NSW has supported cancer research through its Fellowship Scheme, funding innovative projects, fostering team-based research, and developing future leaders to translate discoveries into clinical practice.
This program is part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to provide access to better healthcare. For a full list of recipients visit: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/research-and-data/grants/grants-we-ve-funded/career-support-grants/2025-career-support-funds-granted
Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to backing these researchers and their programs that are bridging the gap between lab discoveries and real-world patient care which have the potential to transform the lives of people diagnosed with cancer in the future.
"Every day, our researchers are working hard to help save the lives of people affected by cancer across NSW and around the globe. We are proud to support their efforts and invest in this important work."
NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O'Brien AM said:
"Many leaders in medicine began their careers with the support of fellowships, which empower inspiring researchers to drive breakthroughs that can change people's lives now and into the future.
"Cancer affects too many of us, with one in two people in NSW diagnosed in their lifetime. While significant progress has been made in understanding and treating the disease, these fellowships are critical to advancing cancer prevention, improving treatments and saving lives."
Dr Hani Kim, researcher investigating the use of AI in breast cancer treatment said:
"Treatment models for breast cancer have historically relied on broad categories that don't capture the full picture. By using AI to decode each tumour's unique cellular 'ecosystem,' we are moving toward a future where every patient receives a treatment plan as unique as their own biology.
"Our AI tool allows us to see whether these unique environments will help the cancer grow or help the body fight back. This grant supports the development of this tool to help us better predict individual outcomes, bringing us closer to routine diagnostic tests, and giving patients the best chance at a successful outcome by matching the right treatment to the right person."
Dr Ryan Duchatel, researcher investigating the origins of DIPG said:
"The genetic causes of DIPG - Australia's leading cause of brain cancer deaths in children - are closely linked to the age of diagnosis, pointing to a connection between brain development and initial disease onset. However, the underlying developmental biology of DIPG remains poorly understood.
"My research looks to understand how tumours grow and evolve during a child's development, taking into account maternal environmental influences to identify early intervention points for potential treatment."
Breast cancer survivor Isabelle said:
"Fifteen years ago, at the age of 57, following my regular breast screen - something I kept up to date with because of a family breast cancer history - I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"If you have knowledge, you can make informed decisions. As a grandmother I worry for my daughter and granddaughters, and any research that supports more accurate predictions of treatment response gives me hope for the future."
