The Cancer Society continues to be a major funder of life-saving cancer research in New Zealand through its National Research Grants Programme, having invested over $50 million in the past decade. In 2025, the Society announced two post-doctoral fellowships, two project grants, and one PhD scholarship as part of its National Research Grant Round, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the cancer research workforce and advancing innovative solutions in cancer care.
Dr Judy Ann Cocadiz from the University of Otago received a post-doctoral fellowship to develop a small device capable of capturing circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) directly from the bloodstream. This technology aims to enable earlier and more accurate cancer detection and monitoring without the need for repeated blood sampling, potentially improving patient outcomes.
A second post-doctoral fellowship was awarded to Dr Yue Wang from the University of Auckland, focusing on blocking growth hormone’s role in melanoma cell proliferation. Her research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of current melanoma treatments, offering new therapeutic options for patients who do not respond well to existing therapies.
University of Auckland cancer pharmacologist Associate Professor Stephen Jamieson received a project grant to develop treatments for NRAS-mutant melanomas, which currently have no targeted therapies. By identifying and disrupting a key protein (SHOC2) within these cancer cells, his team aims to create compounds that could form the basis for new and effective drugs.
Dr Andrea Teng and her team at the University of Otago will investigate the efficiency of screen-and-treat approaches for Helicobacter pylori infection, a major risk factor for stomach cancer. This research aims to develop culturally appropriate screening and treatment programmes, particularly for Māori and Pacific populations, to reduce the incidence of stomach cancer in New Zealand.
Jodie Collins is starting a PhD at the University of Auckland to design a personalised prehabilitation programme for colorectal cancer patients. Drawing on her own experience with Stage 3B colorectal cancer and expertise in sports science, nutrition, and community education, she will develop tailored interventions to support patients’ physical and mental wellbeing, enhancing recovery and quality of life during treatment.
The Cancer Society’s National Grants Round reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening the cancer research workforce and improving cancer outcomes for all New Zealanders. The Society is currently consulting on its new Research and Innovation Strategy to continue supporting impactful research projects and fellowships across the country.
