The 2026 Cancer Council SA Research Fellowships will support early- and mid-career researchers over the next three years to advance innovative projects across basic science, clinical medicine, and public health and survivorship.
From developing new treatments for prostate and pancreatic cancer to improving screening participation in multicultural communities and reducing health inequities, the funded projects aim to reduce the rate and impact of cancer for South Australians.
The 2026 Cancer Council SA Research Fellowship recipients are:
- Dr Raj Kumar Shrestha – Flinders University
Developing new treatments for advanced prostate cancer by blocking PDIA1 and PDIA5 enzymes that help cancer cells thrive. - Dr Zeyad D. Nassar – Adelaide University
Personalising medicine for prostate cancer by matching treatments to genetic profiles. - Dr Nicole Dmochowska – Adelaide University
Creating brighter, longer-lasting fluorescent dyes to help surgeons more accurately remove pancreatic cancer. - Dr Devendra Hiwase – SAHMRI
Investigating risk factors for therapy-related myeloid neoplasm (t-MN), an aggressive blood cancer, with the goal of prevention and earlier detection. - Dr Oluwaseyifunmi Andi Agbejule – Flinders University
Examining how financial discrimination can impact people living with cancer to inform policy and legal reform. - Dr Jacqueline Roseleur – Flinders University
Improving cancer outcomes for people living in disadvantaged areas who also have chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. - Dr Sana Ishaque – Flinders University
Working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities (including Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese speaking communities) to improve participation in cancer screening programs.
Cancer Council SA General Manager Support and Research Dr Peter Diamond said sustained investment in research is critical to driving breakthroughs.
“Funding cancer research is one of the most powerful ways we can improve outcomes for people impacted by cancer,” Dr Diamond said.
“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.”
Over the past five years, Cancer Council SA has invested more than $11 million in local cancer research.
The research fellowship program is a key pillar of Cancer Council SA’s commitment to building a strong cancer research workforce and accelerating progress towards the next cancer breakthrough.
