The Cancer Institute NSW has awarded seven Early Career Fellowships and one Career Development Fellowship to researchers at the University of Sydney to develop new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, improving outcomes for patients and their families.

More than 50,000 people in NSW are diagnosed with cancer every year. One in every two people in NSW is diagnosed with some form of cancer by the age of 85, and the rate of cancer incidence in the state has remained unchanged over the past decade, according to findings from the Cancer Institute NSW.

Eighteen fellowships totalling $11 million were awarded across the state, with eight being awarded to early- and mid-career researchers at the University of Sydney. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mike Ryan congratulated all the recipients on their achievements.

“These fellowships recognise a diverse portfolio of work at the University of Sydney spanning lab discovery, clinical research, and health systems innovation, all aimed at improving outcomes for people affected by cancer,” Professor Ryan said.

“Our researchers are ambitiously tackling some of the biggest health care challenges in NSW, with the potential to make a global impact. These fellowships will support the career development of emerging researchers and build on the early successes of our mid-career academics.”

Career Development Fellowship

Associate Professor Rachael Dodd | Faculty of Medicine and Health; The Daffodil Centre

Evaluating implementation of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program

This project evaluates Australia’s new cancer screening program to improve awareness, access and outcomes through evidence-based implementation strategies.

Early Career Fellowships

Dr Zhaoxiang Cai | Faculty of Medicine and Health; Children’s Medical Research Institute

Improving cancer diagnosis and prognosis via generative proteomic foundation model and federated learning

This research develops AI models that use protein data to improve diagnosis and predict treatment response, while enabling collaboration across institutions without sharing sensitive patient data.

Dr Tingting Gong | School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health; Charles Perkins Centre

Revealing predisposing and acquired large genomic rearrangements in prostate cancer to reduce ancestral disparities

This project develops new methods to detect overlooked genetic variations that influence prostate cancer risk and progression, particularly in underrepresented populations.

Dr Samuel Ross | School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science

Interrogating RNA modification dynamics in cancer to expose vulnerabilities and uncover biomarkers

This project maps RNA modifications in cancer cells to better understand how they drive tumour growth and survival, with a focus on aggressive cancers such as diffuse midline glioma and acute myeloid leukaemia.

Dr Peey Sei Kok | Faculty of Medicine and Health; Sydney Clinical Trials Centre

Transforming endometrial cancer care through molecular precision

This program integrates molecular testing, clinical trials and real-world care to personalise treatment for endometrial cancer and improve outcomes for patients.

Dr Pamela Soh | School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health; Charles Perkins Centre

Developing ancestrally equitable multi-omic risk prediction for Australian prostate cancer patients

This research aims to improve risk prediction models by incorporating genetic and protein data across diverse populations, addressing disparities in prostate cancer outcomes.

Dr Rebecca Venchiarutti | School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health; Chris O’Brien Lifehouse

Improving equitable access to oral cancer care and enhancing survivorship outcomes

This research focuses on reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment, while developing resources to support patients living with and beyond oral cancer.

Dr Yu-Feng (Erin) Wang | School of Physics, Faculty of Science

Precision imaging of hypoxia for personalised prostate cancer radiation therapy

This project aims to develop a novel imaging biomarker to identify low-oxygen tumour regions, enabling targeted radiation therapy and reducing recurrence.