For the past 55 years, Cure Cancer has been dedicated to funding novel cancer research projects, giving talented early-career cancer researchers the opportunity to pursue their innovative ideas. It has kickstarted over 540 research careers, many of which have led to global breakthroughs including brain cancer, breast cancer, immunotherapy, pancreatic cancer, and childhood leukaemia. The organisation has raised over $83.1 million to ensure a future pipeline of cancer research success.

However, there is still much work to be done. “In 2021, only 5.4% of National Health and Medical Research Council Ideas grant applications from early career researchers were funded,” says Associate Professor Caroline Ford, Cure Cancer alumni and Chairperson of the Research Committee. “That means an estimated 94.6% of potentially groundbreaking and life-saving approaches to cancer care were left unexplored.”

To this end, Cure Cancer is reinforcing its commitment to funding the most innovative minds in cancer research by launching a new grant funding model this 11th of May. Funding is available for up to $100,000 and will involve a two-step approach: 1) a submission of EOI which will close on 20th June, and 2) submission of full application by invitation due early September. An external Grant Review Panel will review all applications.

“We hope that by bringing the selection process in-house, Cure Cancer will be able to offer more seed funding opportunities for the most promising emerging researchers across all cancer types,” says Nikki Kinloch, Cure Cancer CEO. “We also hope that by streamlining the process, researchers can dedicate more time in finding a cure than worrying about their funding. We’re here to support them.”

“Cancer is a devastating disease, and we stand by researchers who work tirelessly for a future without it,” adds Ford. “An average of 135 Australians die from cancer every day. If we want to change this, we must investigate new ways of approaching this disease. Early-career researchers have fresh ideas that can lead to breakthroughs and impact many lives.”

Researchers such as Dr. Orazio Vittorio, a recipient of Cure Cancer grants funded by the Melissa Lewis Foundation and is now preparing for clinical trials, emphasise the importance of supporting ECRs. “Cure Cancer is doing great work, not only for science but also for scientists in this country. Because of them, there are scientists who are not leaving the country, who are not leaving their jobs, and can really make an impact in the lives of Australian people and worldwide.”