Initiatives and funding
Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre (MWAC) Research Histology services – $1,000 Grant
The Histology Service provides high-quality, reliable support for the preparation, processing, and sectioning of biological specimens for imaging and downstream analysis. This service is designed to complement the advanced microscopy capabilities of the Facility by ensuring that all samples are prepared to the highest standards of consistency and reproducibility.
MWAC offer a comprehensive and streamlined workflow for researchers, including:
- Tissue processing and embedding for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples and cryopreserved tissues (CRYO–OCT)
- Microtome sectioning of paraffin-embedded and frozen tissues at defined thicknesses
- Histology staining, including routine H&E and a range of special stains (e.g. Masson Trichrome, Sirius Red, Luxol Fast Blue, Verhoeff–Van Gieson)
- Immunostaining using chromogenic DAB substrates or fluorescently labelled antibodies performed on automated slide stainers (Leica BOND RX and Biocare Oncore Pro X).
Researchers supply primary antibodies. - Protein multiplexing using AKOYA OPAL technology, enabling the labelling of up to eight markers plus DAPI on a single slide
(primary antibodies not included) - Preparation of microscopy-ready specimens, optimised for compatibility with both brightfield and fluorescence imaging platforms
- Guidance and support on sample preparation, fixation, and submission requirements to ensure the best possible imaging outcomes
Their team applies rigorous quality control across all stages of the workflow and works closely with researchers to support project-specific needs. Submission and collection procedures are clearly defined to ensure efficient turnaround and a consistent user experience.
Open to UNSW-affiliated researchers whose work aligns with, supports, or has relevance to the UNSW Cancer Research Theme, including projects with a clear relevance to cancer biology, prevention, detection, treatment, outcomes, or survivorship.
Researchers based within UNSW Medical Research Institutes (MRIs) are also eligible to apply.
Applicants may receive a maximum of one (1) $1,000 allocation per project and per Principal Investigator (PI).
2026 -2029 White Walker Cancer Research Scholarship Applications - T3 2026 Start
The UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health - White Walker Cancer Research Scholarship is a full 4-year PhD scholarship offered to outstanding domestic candidates to be trained to conduct research specifically in the field of Cancer, under the supervision of experienced academics affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health at UNSW.
The scholarship comprises a full stipend of $45,000 per annum for a maximum of 4 years; a career development fund of $10,000 per annum; a comprehensive Research Training and Career Development program; and a 3-month (1 term) integrated internship with an academic unit or industry partner.
White Walker Cancer Research Scholarship
The UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health - White Walker Cancer Research Scholarship is a full 4-year PhD scholarship offered to outstanding domestic candidates to be trained to conduct research specifically in the field of Cancer, under the supervision of experienced academics affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health at UNSW.
Recipient | |
2024-2028 | Lucy Haggstrom |
2022-2026 | Michael Trpceski |
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2025 Cancer Theme Research Seed Grants ($50,000)
Recipients Affiliation
Grant Title
Amy Logan
Children’s Cancer Institute
Tumour-targeted siRNA conjugates for therapeutic gene silencing in brain cancer
Marjan Naeini
Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Investigating Genomic and Epigenomic Drivers of Chemotherapy Resistance in Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Pilot Study Using Nanopore Sequencing
Shannon Chiang
Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, UNSW
Pre-clinical development of a novel RNA-based therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Venessa Chin Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Unravelling Genomic Diversity in ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Insights from Paired RNA/DNA Sequencing of Circulating Tumour Cells
S M Zahid Hosen
Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research
Mapping Metabolic Dysregulation in Pancreatic Stellate: Implications for Tumour Growth and Immune Evasion in Pancreatic Cancer
2024 Cancer Theme Research Seed Grants ($50,000)
Recipients Affiliation
Grant Title
Dr. Angelica Merlot
Children’s Cancer Institute
Targeting Cell Surface Proteins in Deadly Paediatric and Adult Brain Cancers
Dr. Daryan Kempe
School of Biomedical Sciences/ Molecular Medicine, UNSW
Dissecting crosstalk between neutrophils and T cells in microbial therapy of pancreatic cancer
Dr. Frank Lin
The Garvan Institute
Establishing clinical correlates of SLC7A11 expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma through histomorphology and deep learning analyses: the first step towards clinical translation
Children’s Cancer Institute
Targeting the YTHDF2 oncogene with non-toxic copper chelation in neuronal cancers
The Garvan Institute
Development of Novel Treatment Response Criteria in Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) SPECT/CT for Optimizing 177Lu-PSMA radionuclide therapy in Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer (ReSPECT)
2023 Cancer Symposium Poster Presentation Winners
Recipient
Affiliation
Prize
Carley Purcell
The Garvan Institute
PhD Student Poster Prize
Allegra Freelander
The Garvan Institute
Early Career Researcher Poster Prize
Leila Eshraghi
The Garvan Institute
Mid-career Researcher Poster Prize
Vikneswary Batumalai
School of Clinical Medicine
Consumer Poster Prize
2022 Cancer Symposium Poster Presentation Winners
Recipient
Prize
Felix Kohane
PhD Student Poster Prize
Beata Kiedik
PhD Student Poster Prize
Dr. Shabani Gupta
Early Career Researcher Poster Prize
Dr. Beatriz Perez San Juan
Mid-career Researcher Poster Prize
2023 Cancer Theme Research Seed Grants ($50,000)
Recipients
Affiliation
Grant Title
Dr. Joanna Achinger-Kawecka
The Garvan Institute
Targeting enhancers to overcome breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition
Dr. Craig Haifer
School of Clinical Medicine
St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus
Orally Administered Faecal Microbial Transplantation in the Management of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Associated Colitis - A randomised control trial to assess safety and preliminary efficacy
Dr. Dongli Liu
School of Clinical Medicine (WCH)
Establishing 3D Ovarian Cancer Organoids Using Novel Biomaterials
Dr. Kendelle Murphy
The Garvan Institute
Uncoupling the tumour-stroma feedback loop in pancreatic cancer using the ROCK2 inhibitor KD025, in combination with contemporary Folfirinox chemotherapy.
Dr. Mei Ling Yap
The George Institute for Global Health
SoCM SWS Clinical Campus
Leveraging big data to attain equity in cancer control for refugees and recent migrants
2022 Cancer Theme Research Seed Grants ($50,000)
Recipients
Affiliation
Grant Title
Dr. Benjamin Daniels
Centre for Big Data Research
Understanding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on Australian cancer treatment
Dr. Leila Eshraghi
The Garvan Institute
Elucidating the oncogenic role of telomere dysfunction in drug resistant ER+ breast cancer
Dr. Jackie Huang
Children’s Cancer Institute
Sensitisation and eradication of chemo-resistant T-ALL by repurposing epigenetic and myeloid-directed drugs
Dr. Ernesto Moles
Children’s Cancer Institute
In vivo controlled reprogramming of T cells with chimeric antigen receptor-encoding mRNA nanoparticles to potently suppress brain cancer
Dr. Brooke Pereira
The Garvan Institute
Repurposing PCSK9 inhibitor PF-846 to enhance immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer