The Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund was established by Marjorie Jackson-Nelson—the Lithgow Flash and former Governor of South Australia—in memory of her husband, Australian Olympic cyclist, Peter Nelson who passed away from leukaemia.
The Fund was established to support mid-career researchers, to undertake research into the diagnosis, cause or treatment of leukaemia, with the goal of finding a cure for this deadly disease.
For nearly 50 years, the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund has supported 11 talented researchers working towards a cure for leukaemia.
The research you’re making possible
Dr Claire Homan
Current recipient of the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund
Dr Claire Homan is from the University of South Australia, and her research focuses on understanding the link between genetics and leukaemia, in particular acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
As a rare disease patient herself, it’s only through the power of research that she has been able to discover a genetic diagnosis for her own disease.
Dr Homan is leading a global study that collects and analyses genetic information from AML patients. Her aim is to use her understanding of genetics to develop targeted therapies that not only better treat leukaemia but also prevent it from developing in the first place.
She believes that by developing leukaemia prevention therapies, she has the potential to save families and patients from the distress and heartache caused by a cancer diagnosis and ultimately, save lives.
Researchers like Dr Homan are the key to unlocking a future free from leukaemia and continuing to increase survival rates for generations to come. That’s why it’s so important that we keep momentum going by funding more leukaemia researchers as they work towards the next cancer breakthrough.
It is thought that almost 20 per cent of acute myeloid leukaemia cases originate from a genetic risk, where the individual has inherited a gene mutation. Since being awarded the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship our team has made a groundbreaking discovery of a new disease: ERG Deficiency Syndrome (resulting from a mutation in the ERG gene) and its link to leukaemia. The discovery of ERG Deficiency Syndrome offers new diagnostic pathways for more families and the opportunity to develop leukaemia treatment strategies targeting the ERG gene.
How to apply for the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship
We welcome applications for the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship from researchers involved in any aspect of leukaemia research and who:
- have up to ten years post-doctoral experience or equivalent
- are involved in leukaemia research
- have published in the scientific literature
- can bring matched funding
- are able to demonstrate support from the South Australian institution where the proposed research is to take place.
The funding scheme provides financial support of $100,000 per annum for three years for a full-time position.
For more information about applying for the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship, get in touch with Cancer Council SA at grants@cancersa.org.au.
How you can support our goal of a future free from leukaemia
By supporting the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund, you hold the key to unlocking better ways to prevent, detect, treat and live beyond leukaemia.
Make a donation to leukaemia research today to help us get closer to a future free from leukaemia.
Leave a gift in your Will
You can also consider leaving a gift to the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund in your Will.
If you have already opted to leave a gift in your Will, we recommend checking that the wording is correct and your bequest is to the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund.
For more information about leaving a gift in your Will to leukaemia research, please get in touch with our Philanthropy team on 08 8291 4111 or philanthropy@cancersa.org.au.