The program supports early- and mid-career researchers to advance innovative projects across basic science, clinical medicine, and public health and survivorship.
Among the seven new Fellows announced in February is Adelaide University researcher Dr Nicole Dmochowska, who received funding for her work in developing a new, brighter dye to assist surgeons in removing pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer often comes with an extremely poor prognosis. It is difficult to diagnose early and normally does not show symptoms until it has spread to other organs or grown enough to impact on pancreatic function.
Dr Dmochowska said complete surgical removal offers the best chance of a cure for pancreatic cancer, and current surgical dyes fade quickly, making it difficult for surgeons to see and remove the full tumour.
Through her research, Dr Dmochowska aims to change that by improving visibility of pancreatic cancer cells and assisting in complete tumour removal.
Dr Dmochowska said she was grateful for the Fellowship as it means she can spend the next three years focusing entirely on the project.
“I think researchers spend a lot of time writing grants … to pay for staff or pay for experiments or even for ourselves,” she said.
“It’s such a competitive field and there are so many people doing so many amazing things. I did not expect that to be me. I was walking around on clouds for the next two weeks after that.
“There’s a critical unmet need in pancreatic cancer for developing an agent that can better map the tumour and help surgeons remove more of the tumour for the patient.”
Cancer Council SA General Manager Support and Research Dr Peter Diamond said sustained investment in research was critical to driving breakthroughs.
Funding cancer research is one of the most powerful ways we can improve outcomes for people impacted by cancer.
“By investing in talented local researchers, we’re supporting discoveries that translate into prevention and earlier detection, improved treatments, stronger survivorship outcomes, and public health research that ultimately leads to more lives saved.”
Cancer Council SA has invested more than $11 million in local cancer research over the past five years.
The 2026 Fellows are:
- Dr Raj Kumar Shrestha, Flinders University
- Dr Zeyad D. Nassar, Adelaide University
- Dr Nicole Dmochowska, Adelaide University
- Dr Devendra Hiwase, CALHN
- Dr Oluwaseyifunmi Andi Agbejule, Flinders University
- Dr Jacqueline Roseleur, Flinders University
- Dr Sana Ishaque, Flinders University.
To learn more about each Fellow and their research projects, click here.
