Cancer

Our cancer program is driven by prevention.

Research focus

We identify the biological and environmental drivers of cancer to transform detection, risk prediction, and treatment outcomes. Leveraging innovations in:

  • biosensing,
  • synthetic biology,
  • digital technologies
  • space-based research.

We work in partnership with metropolitan, regional and remote communities, including: First Nations peoples, to ensure equitable and accessible cancer solutions.

We investigate the lifestyle, environmental and biological factors that initiate or accelerate cancer to identify actionable targets for prevention. Our team develops and validates low-cost, point-of-care biosensors and innovative synthetic, digital, and space biology platforms to predict risk, detect cancer early, and monitor treatment response or relapse.

These technologies are integrated with precision therapies and molecular profiling to improve outcomes while ensuring accessibility and cultural safety through partnerships with rural, regional and First Nations communities. Spanning discovery through to real-world implementation, our research pipeline moves innovations from the laboratory bench to the bedside and into community settings.

Members

Program leads

Erinna Lee group

Erinna Lee group

Our group examines the molecular mechanisms underlying cell fate decisions dictated by the processes of apoptosis and autophagy.

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Lisa Mielke group

Lisa Mielke group

Our group aims to understand the function of immune cells in maintaining homeostasis and cancer progression of the large bowel and stomach.

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Program members

Suresh Mathivanan group

Suresh Mathivanan group

Our group explores the role of extracellular matrix components (soluble secreted proteins and extracellular vesicles) in cancer and intercellular communication.

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Doug Fairlie group

Doug Fairlie group

Our group use a combination of biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology and medicinal chemistry approaches to understand the precise molecular mechanisms that control apoptosis.

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Donna Whelan group

Donna Whelan group

Our group develops and applies advanced fluorescence imaging techniques to visualize cells at the single molecule and nano-scale. In particular, we are working to understand DNA damage and repair.

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