LETTER FROM OUR CHAIR

2022 saw Australian society and the world endure a global pandemic for the third year in a row. This time we witnessed positive effects of rapid and ground-breaking scientific research with nine vaccines available across the world to stop the Covid-19 spread. In Australia, we learnt to live with the Covid-19 virus as restrictions were cautiously lifted as vaccination targets were met across the nation, allowing the country to return somewhat to life before the pandemic.

The pandemic has challenged the cancer research community globally. Some researchers were unable to work effectively from home, where clinical trials required faceface encounters and lab research was at different times disrupted and suspended due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Despite these challenges, vital cancer research has persisted, and its importance on scientific evolution and progress continues to remain essential to get us to the day when cancer can be managed simply, with reduced loss of life. Until this time, it is imperative that we give scientists the tools they need to innovate and continue to be endlessly curious.

ACRF Accelerate donors play a key role in our ability to continue to support brilliant scientific minds and pioneering research.

In 2021, our grants created opportunities for revolutionary cancer research, including the establishment of a unique hub for exciting and revolutionary cancer glycomics research (opened in 2022), world-leading research into the use of theranostics (a personalised approach to cancer treatment combining therapy and diagnostics). A world-first mobile lung cancer multiplatform research facility focused on early detection research for lung cancer – the leading cause of cancer deaths globally.

In 2022 we continued supporting scientific exploration into personalised medicine and theranostics through funding to help establish a world-class radiochemistry lab. Bringing together experts in cancer biology, chemistry, translational oncology and clinical trials across multiple institutions and with industry collaborators, this will create an innovative world-class discovery and translational cancer research program. Enabling new targets and therapeutics to be developed and taken into the clinic, combined with molecular imaging of targets and drugs to optimise treatment will progress towards optimal outcomes for cancer patients.

All projects open for funding since inception have been assessed and evaluated by Australia Cancer Research Foundation’s (ACRF) esteemed Medical Research Advisory Committee (MRAC). ACRF utilises our unique Impact Model to anticipate the potential outcomes associated with each project. So, you can have confidence that every donation will have a real and tangible result. It is such a privilege to be able to invite you to join us and be part of ACRF Accelerate.

With your support, we know we can reach life-changing outcomes for those impacted by this devastating disease. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to backing brilliant cancer research.

Tom Dery AO

YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP BACK BOLD, BRAVE AND BRILLIANT CANCER RESEARCH SO THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE DON’T MISS OUT ON THE CANCER RESEARCH THEY NEED.

Supporting ACRF means backing projects that push boundaries and blaze new trails. You’re giving scientists access to cutting-edge equipment that drives innovation — potentially saving millions of lives.

BACKING BRILLIANT is what Australian Cancer Research Foundation does.

We know that cancer research brilliance goes further and faster when it’s backed by technology.

So we ask highly-esteemed cancer researchers to select the cancer research they believe in, and we supercharge it with technology.

It works!

ACRF’s approach has already saved the lives of Australians who would otherwise die from their cancer or pay an unacceptable price for more time.

But this powerful impact is limited.

By funding.

We are independent and rely on private support, and the less funding we have, the less work we can support.

It means we have to say ‘no’ to brilliant cancer researchers whose work has astounding, ground-breaking, dial-shifting potential.

It means we say ‘no’ to cancer research that could save the life of the two in five Australian’s who’ll get cancer in their lifetime.

That could be someone you know – someone you care about – your family, your friends, your community, perhaps even you.

ACRF Accelerate explains our unique approach to philanthropy, supporting cancer research across all cancers. It showcases ACRF projects across leading medical research institutes Australia-wide, that require your support. ACRF Accelerate aligns your support to best fit with your goals with confidence.

We look forward to you joining our mission of getting closer to a world without cancer.

Kerry Strydom