Our Approach
Uniting experts to transform outcomes for our youngest cancer patients.
Collaborating to accelerate discoveries
We bring together many of Australia’s brightest childhood cancer researchers and clinicians from across institutions and disciplines to fast-track discoveries for childhood cancer patients.
Recognising the power of multidisciplinary collaboration, the Children's Cancer CoLab was formed to unite researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals and partners to fast-track scientific breakthroughs from the lab into the clinic. Our collaborative approach has already united eight of Victoria’s leading research, clinical, and academic institutions to develop cutting-edge treatments and interventions for our youngest cancer patients in Victoria and beyond. We believe that together, we can accomplish what no single institution can achieve alone, leading to improved outcomes for young cancer patients everywhere.
How we collaborate
Uniting expertise to accomplish what no single organisation can achieve alone.
Scientific rigour and expertise
Our two independent and highly esteemed Scientific Advisory Committees ensure we fund only the most promising research with potential for real-world impact. These national and international experts working across various disciplines in childhood cancer rigorously assess each application against our strategic priorities. Our competitive funding model ensures resources are directed to the most promising collaborative initiatives. This commitment to scientific excellence ensures our funded research delivers real-world, transformative outcomes for childhood cancer patients.
Patient-focused investments
We direct resources where they're needed the most through five strategic Impact Programs spanning from lab discoveries to clinical innovation. Guided by patients and families, we identify and address critical gaps in childhood cancer research and care, focusing on Next-Generation Therapies, Safer Therapies, Survivorship and Living Well, Future Leaders, and Innovation Accelerators.
Transparent and accountable
We're committed to measurable impact. We use a comprehensive evaluation framework to regularly assess funded research and demonstrate our impact and accountability. Our approach ensures we can dynamically direct resources to maximise outcomes and accelerate progress in the most promising areas.
Removing barriers that slow progress
We take a courageous approach to address longstanding barriers in childhood cancer research and innovation. With our strategic funding model and by fostering multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaborations, we are supporting our CoLaborators to deliver transformative discoveries that will have a real-world impact on childhood cancer patients and their families. By uniting experts from across the childhood cancer ecosystem, we are helping to fast-track discoveries into the clinic to benefit childhood cancer patients in Australia and globally.
Transforming the future of childhood cancer
Through collaborative research and innovation, we're working toward a future where all children diagnosed with cancer will lead long, healthy lives free from the burden of treatment effects.
Australian children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every year
children die every week from cancer
children diagnosed with cancer do not survive
of children who survive cancer have long-term effects from their treatment
potential years of life are lost when a child dies from cancer
new cases of cancer are diagnosed worldwide every year in children and adolescents
More ways you can make an impact
Your support drives critical research and innovation that will change lives. By supporting Children's Cancer CoLab, you become part of a community working to ensure every young patient with cancer survives and thrives. Our approach unites top researchers across disciplines and institutions, breaking traditional barriers to accelerate discoveries from the lab to clinic, creating real impact for young cancer patients and their families.
