Cancer Council SA has partnered with Health Translation SA to fund the cancer-related stream of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Catalyst Grant Scheme in 2024 and 2025.
Through this partnership, Cancer Council SA invests in South Australian led research projects that bring together consumers, clinicians and researchers to drive projects that improve outcomes for people impacted by cancer.
Meet our current MRFF Catalyst Grant Scheme recipient
Dr Amanda Lumsden
Developing a predictive tool for ovarian cancer
Our first project funded under the Catalyst Grant Scheme, led by Dr Amanda Lumsden at the University of South Australia, seeks to improve survival outcomes for people with ovarian cancer by developing a new screening tool to help detect ovarian cancer earlier.
Dr Lumsden received her PhD from the University of Adelaide in 2007 with a Dean’s Commendation. She is a Research Fellow at UniSA, based at SAHMRI, where she focuses on identifying clinical biomarkers, metabolic profiles, and other factors linked to disease risk, with a particular emphasis on ovarian cancer.
With support from Cancer Council SA and input from consumers, Dr Lumsden is developing a non-invasive, symptom self-assessment tool for ovarian cancer. Her project aims to co-design a consumer-friendly tool for women to provide their symptoms via an online survey, to help identify women who should go forward to diagnostic testing for ovarian cancer.
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is usually found at an advanced stage, as the symptoms can be similar to other conditions which can make it hard to diagnose early. Dr Lumsden is passionate about reducing delays in diagnosis to improve outcomes for women at risk.
How to apply for MRFF Catalyst Grant Scheme funding
For more information about upcoming funding opportunities and how to apply, get in touch with Cancer Council SA at grants@cancersa.org.au.