Cancer Council WA has named Dr Jake Kendrick, a medical physicist and researcher at The University of Western Australia, its 2025 Early Career Cancer Researcher of the Year, in recognition of his pioneering work using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Cancer Council WA CEO, Ashley Reid, said Dr Kendrick's research had the potential to reshape how clinicians assess and treat advanced prostate cancer.
"We're very proud to recognise Dr Jake Kendrick as our 2025 Early Career Cancer Researcher of the Year," Mr Reid said.
Dr Kendrick's achievements show how WA researchers are leading innovation in cancer care-and how community support is making it possible.
"His work combines clinical expertise with powerful new technology, and it could significantly improve survival outcomes for men living with prostate cancer." Dr Kendrick's research focuses on using AI to analyse imaging scans, and his work has shown that AI can accurately assess a patient's response to treatment, with results comparable to those of experienced clinicians.
Dr Kendrick said the award would support his ongoing research to further refine and implement these AI tools in clinical settings.
"It's a privilege to be recognised by Cancer Council WA, especially for work that has such clear clinical potential," Dr Kendrick said. "This funding from this award gives me the momentum to move our AI tools from research into practice, so patients receive more timely, personalised treatment. "Cancer affects so many-including my own family-and the possibility that my research could improve care for others is what drives me every day. "I offer my heartfelt thanks to Cancer Council WA's donors and supporters. Your generosity allows researchers like me to pursue ideas that can genuinely make a difference."
Cancer Council WA CEO, Ashley Reid, said it is through the generosity of the WA community and the State Government that Cancer Council WA is able to fund innovative, WA based research that is changing the way we prevent, detect, and treat cancer.
"In 2024/2025, together we contributed more than $3.5m to support cancer research happening right here in WA," Mr Reid said.
"This figure includes $840,000 from the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Co-Funding Partnerships Program.
"We congratulate Dr Kendrick and all our funding recipients, and we thank the community and the State Government for helping us work towards a cancer free future."
The successful 2025 Research Funding Program recipients will be acknowledged today (Friday 12 September) at The Westin Perth, celebrating the achievements of the state's leading cancer researchers.
