Celebrating Bold Ideas: Highlights from the 2025 Researcher Symposium

Backing emerging cancer researchers to drive the next big breakthrough

By the Cure Cancer Team | 7 July 2025 

On 27 May, Cure Cancer hosted our annual Researcher Symposium – a day dedicated to showcasing bold ideas, sharing scientific progress, and strengthening the community of emerging cancer researchers who are changing the future of cancer treatment. 

This year’s event brought together 10 brilliant minds working across cancers including breast, bowel, blood, lung, skin, and more. From novel therapies to pioneering immunotherapy approaches and advances in genomic profiling, the Symposium celebrated the creativity and determination of researchers funded by Cure Cancer. 

Cure Cancer is more than a funding body – we’re a launchpad for new ideas. Events like this reflect our belief that brave thinking at the beginning leads to real-world impact. 

A/Prof Fernando Guimaraes, Chair of the Cure Cancer Research Committee and a proud alumni himself, echoed this sentiment. With over 170 applications for our grant received this year alone, the Symposium plays a vital role in creating visibility, building networks, and opening doors for early-stage researchers. 

A special thank you goes to Dr Lauren Aoude and Dr Anthony (Zhian) Chen for leading the professional development session in "How to succeed in NHMRC Investigator Fellowships".

Watch the sessions from the 2025 Symposium

Catch up on some of the presentations from this year’s Symposium below (click on the thumbnail to play the corresponding video).

Session 1: Novel Therapies

Session 2: Immunotherapy

Session 3: Biomarkers and Genomic Profiling

Help us back the next bold idea in cancer research

Our researchers are at the forefront of life-saving discoveries – but they can’t do it alone. With less than 10% of emerging researchers receiving government funding, your donation can be the difference between an idea left behind and a breakthrough that changes lives. 

Donate today and help fund the next wave of game-changing cancer research.