Meet our team

Our passionate team

Behind every breakthrough is a team of people who care deeply about making a difference. At Cure Cancer, our team brings together dedicated staff and expert advisors who are united by a shared commitment to beating cancer through research. We’re all here for one reason: to support the next generation of researchers whose ideas could change everything. Driven by purpose, guided by integrity, and fuelled by hope, we work every day to help find a cure.

Vanessa Barry, CEO

Vanessa is an experienced charity executive who has spent nearly two decades working across the for-purpose sector, including 13 years as a CEO.

She joined Cure Cancer in May 2025 after leading the medical research funder, Avant Foundation. Her previous roles include CEO of Variety – the Children’s Charity (NSW/ACT) and St.George Foundation, as well as Director of Philanthropy at UNICEF Australia.

Vanessa has worked extensively in both fundraising and grantmaking. Throughout her career, she has focused on building stronger organisations that can use their resources well and create impact that lasts.

At Cure Cancer, Vanessa leads the organisation’s work to build a sustainable future for early-career cancer research, ensuring promising researchers have the opportunity to pursue ideas that could shape what comes next in cancer treatment.