Latest news from Children's Cancer CoLab
CoLab Connect
Latest News from Children’s Cancer CoLab
Edition #7, 29 October 2025
CEO's Message
Applications closed
We recently closed applications for our most recent funding round, and I am thrilled with the number of applications we received. We are now commencing the application review process, and I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has committed to volunteering their time and expertise to support this critical task. The review and assessment of applications is strengthened by the involvement of subject-matter experts and lived-experience reviewers from across Australia, ensuring a thorough and well-rounded evaluation.
Advancing national collaboration
During the past month, I’ve been building deeper national connections across our childhood cancer sector to strengthen collaboration and shared priorities. These conversations with MPs, senior leaders from government, Cancer Australia and the charitable sector seek to shape a more coordinated national approach to childhood cancer research and care.
Expanding patient and family voices
Patient and family voices remain at the heart of everything we do. Our Patient and Family Advisory Committee is expanding, and we'll introduce you to our new members in upcoming editions of CoLab Connect.
As you will read in this newsletter, we are focused on strengthening partnerships across the childhood cancer ecosystem to build the collaborative momentum needed to transform outcomes for every child facing cancer.
Dr Udani Reets
Chief Executive Officer
Collaboration with Redkite on survivorship
Children's Cancer CoLab and Redkite have partnered to improve long-term outcomes for childhood cancer survivors. Through a new Memorandum of Understanding, we're combining research expertise with real-world family insights to develop evidence-based solutions that address survivors' physical, psychological, educational, social, and financial needs throughout their lives.
ONJCRI joins CoLab as a research partner
The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) has joined our consortium of leading Australian childhood cancer research institutions. The addition of ONJCRI strengthens CoLab's network of nine premier Victorian research, clinical, and academic institutions. ONJCRI's childhood cancer research program focuses on understanding therapy resistance in childhood leukaemia and lymphoma through cutting-edge methods in molecular biology, immunology, and clinical trials.
Impact Program News
Survivorship and Living Well
Our Survivorship Reference Group held its first meeting last month, bringing together individuals with lived experience of childhood and adolescent cancer, alongside national and international experts in survivorship care and research. Representatives from key advocacy organisations, including Canteen, Redkite, and the Leukaemia Foundation, also joined the discussion. This group will play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction and funding priorities for our Survivorship and Living Well Impact Program.
Funding applications closed
Applications for our 2025-2026 funding round closed on 17 October, and we were delighted to receive many high-quality research and fellowship proposals. Initial review of applications will be conducted throughout November. View our funding information session video for more details.
Impact Program grants are possible thanks to our major partners.
Clinical trials landscape and challenges
Dr Diane Hanna, Dr Marty Campbell (both pictured), and Kalia Fox recently presented to the Colab Board of Directors and CEO on the current state of the Children's Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, highlighting the predominance of collaborative trials groups, resource and pipeline gaps, industry engagement barriers, and opportunities for Victorian leadership, followed by a detailed Q&A with Board members.
Patient and Family Advisor Spotlight
Connect with Maryjo Saliba
Maryjo was 12 years old when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and her brother was diagnosed with the same cancer 12 months later. As well as experiencing childhood cancer herself, Maryjo has also experienced the grief of losing her brother, who passed away in 2015.
Scientific Advisory Committee Spotlight
Connect with Prof Tracey O’Brien AM
Prof Tracey O’Brien AM is NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW. A highly respected executive leader and clinician-researcher, she excels in bridging clinical, research, government, and policy spheres at the highest level.
Our commitment to scientific rigour ensures we support projects that deliver real-world, transformative impact.
CoLab Catch Ups
Child Cancer Research Foundation
CoLab CEO Dr Udani Reets recently met with the Child Cancer Research Foundation’s CEO, Andrea Alexander. For over 40 years, the Foundation, based in Western Australia, has supported childhood cancer research at the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth.
ANZCHOG
Dr Reets also met with Robyn Strong, the CEO of the Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology / Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) and a member of our Scientific Advisory Committee, to discuss the national clinical trials landscape.
Make your voice count
Do you want to help shape the future of childhood cancer research and advocacy? By sharing your lived experience, you can help to ensure that our work always keeps patients at the centre. Ready to make a real difference for young cancer patients? Complete our application form today.
Connect with Children's Cancer CoLab
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Supported by the Victorian Government and Children’s Cancer Foundation
