Our Research Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of Western Australia’s best and brightest cancer researchers. They also serve to reinforce the importance of cancer research as an aspirational career choice and provide encouragement for the next generation of leading cancer researchers.
Congratulations to our 2021 winners:
Dr Henry Hui
Cancer Council WA Early Career Researcher of the Year 2021
This award recognises an emerging cancer researcher who has made a significant advance in cancer research within the last 18 – 24 months.
Dr Henry Hui is a highly passionate early career research associate with an emerging international reputation in the development of advanced cell analysis technology and cutting-edge methodologies for both research and clinical applications.
Dr Hui has developed a new technique in the detection of chromosomal defects in blood cancer cells, called “Immuno-flowFISH”, which will advance personalised treatment and improve health outcomes for blood cancer patients.
Dr Jason Waithman
Cancer Council WA Cancer Researcher of the Year 2021
This award recognises an individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to cancer research over the past three years.
Dr Jason Waithman, from Telethon Kids Institute, has contributed to an international collaboration which made a crucial breakthrough in understanding how the immune system puts cancer to sleep. Dr Waithman has led the Telethon Kids Institute team to learn more about the mechanisms responsible for keeping cancer tumours under control and in a state of dormancy.
Professor Christobel Saunders
Cancer Council WA Researcher Career Achievement Award 2021
This award recognises a senior cancer researcher who has a history of significant achievement in cancer research and a strong record of leadership in administration, advocacy, and promotion of cancer research.
Professor Christobel Saunders has an outstanding track record of achievement in cancer research, leadership, and mentoring. These achievements are also reflected through Professor Saunders’ numerous awards and honours including Order of Australia and other prizes, her international standing in an advisory role to other national governments, and numerous invited presentations at international meetings.
Cancer Council WA Research Grants Program
Thanks to the generosity of our incredible supporters, we remain the largest charitable funder of independent cancer research in WA.
Thanks to your support, in the 2020/2021 financial year we have invested over $2.6 million to support 80 local cancer researchers across more than 40 projects.