In 2024, Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) proudly celebrated 40 years since our foundation. The reality is, none of the achievements over the past 40 years would have been possible without people like you.
Generous supporters who donate, dedicate their time to fundraise or leave a gift in their Will to ACRF, are unlocking breakthroughs in cancer research.
Along with it being a milestone in our history, 2024 was also a milestone year for our contributions to research. $20 million, made possible purely thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses across Australia, was awarded to four cutting edge projects looking to shift the dial and change the way we tackle this complex disease.
$10 million awarded to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC, to establish the ACRF Centre of Advanced Imaging-Guided Cancer Therapeutics. World-first Total Body PET/CT scanning technology to transform targeted cancer treatments.
$2 million awarded to Alfred Health and Monash University, VIC, to establish the ACRF Centre for Dynamic Immuno-Oncology. Tracking, predicting and personalising immunotherapies to improve safety and effectiveness
$5 million awarded to Children’s Cancer Institute, NSW, to establish the ACRF Childhood Cancer Early Detection, Prevention and Treatment Program. Reducing childhood cancer deaths through early detection, prevention and new solutions for previously untreatable cancers.
$3 million awarded to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC, to establish the ACRF Centre for Cellular Imaging of Precision Immunotherapy. Cracking the immunotherapy effectiveness code for those who currently have a poor response.
From Carriageworks to the global stage, Emily’s cancer diagnosis isn’t holding her back. This month, she’s off to Canada to represent Australia in the 2025 Invictus Games.
We first shared Emily’s story in August 2024, when she partnered with ACRF on a life-changing journey. Diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer in her twenties, she auctioned off pieces of her time to raise awareness for progressive cancer research. Her strength and advocacy continue to inspire.
We wish Emily all the best. ACRF is behind her every step of the way.
Brilliance inspires brilliance. In 2024, we proudly welcomed Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn, AC, Governor-General of Australia, as an official patron of ACRF. A respected leader, Ms Mostyn has shaped business, sport, climate policy, the arts, and the for-purpose sector.
“I’m proud to serve as patron and support this vital work. ACRF provides hope to those with cancer, a path for those mourning loved ones, and bold support for researchers unlocking a better future-all underpinned by care.”
Australian researchers have shown that precision medicine—tailoring cancer treatment to each child—significantly improves outcomes for high-risk cancers. Published in Nature Medicine, the study found that 55% of children receiving personalised treatments achieved remission or stable disease for at least six months.
These results were achieved in cases where standard treatments had failed. By analysing tumour genes, oncologists matched drugs more effectively, sometimes using unexpected medications.
Thanks to you, ACRF has proudly supported the Zero Childhood Cancer Program from the start—and we continue to back this groundbreaking work towards zero deaths from childhood cancer.
In 2023 ACRF proudly supported brilliant research across the country, two of the projects that received funding are officially being launched and opened in March 2025. We look forward to sharing outcomes and insights made possible thanks to your support.
The ACRF Centre for Advanced Cancer Modelling at Macquarie University in Sydney – where researchers are utilising dynamic disease models which will deliver new knowledge on the mechanisms of treatment resistance to reveal novel therapeutics in a broad range of cancers. Transforming the way cancer patients are treated.
The ACRF Centre for Optimised Cancer Therapy in Brisbane – tapping into decades of transformative cancer research findings, this Centre will enable the research team to optimise and improve treatments, based on individual patient responses, ensuring every patient has the best chance of cure from their cancer.
