Esteemed trio confirmed as new Research Advisory Committee members
2025-08-05
The Kids’ Cancer Project is delighted to announce the confirmation of three new members to its Research Advisory Committee as it looks to expand its knowledge and expertise within all areas of childhood cancer research.
To strengthen the committee’s capabilities, Dr Steven DuBois, Dr Nic Waddell and A/Prof Pouya Faridi were selected for their complimentary expertise and strategic alignment with the committee’s objectives.
The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) is tasked with the independent review and rating of all grant submissions made to The Kids’ Cancer Project. It is tasked with making recommendations based on the suitability of a project for funding to The Kids’ Cancer Project Board, who ultimately determine the studies funded.
American Dr Steven DuBois is the Director of the Experimental Therapeutics Program at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. An internationally recognised leader in early-phase clinical trials and translational research, Dr DuBois’ extensive experience in paediatric solid tumours, including neuroblastoma and sarcoma, brings valuable global insight into trial design and strategic research development.
Queensland-based Dr Nic Waddell, the Group Leader in Medical Genomics at QIMR Berghofer, is a leader in computational cancer genomics. Her expertise in identifying therapeutic targets through large-scale bioinformatics and data-driven approaches will help strengthen our translational research focus.
A/Prof Pouya Faridi, a cancer researcher at Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University in Victoria, specialises in understanding the interaction between the immune system and tumours, and in using advanced technologies such as mass spectrometry and multi-omics to develop precision cancer immunotherapies for paediatric and AYA cancers.
The Kids’ Cancer Project CEO, Owen Finegan, says he is thrilled with the appointments of Dr DuBois, Dr Waddell and A/Prof Faridi.
“On behalf of The Kids’ Cancer Project’s Board and staff, I am honoured to welcome Steven, Nic and Pouya into our tightly knit community,” he says.
“Our current research strategy – which will take us to 2029 – endeavours to bring us into the new age of innovation, in which new technologies, treatment, data and ways of thinking will be utilised to help kids with cancer sooner.
“These three appointments ensure our RAC is well-rounded in all areas of childhood cancer research, instilling further confidence in our donor community that their philanthropic gifts will be utilised for the pioneering and bold science projects.
“I’d like to acknowledge the service of Prof Tim Cripe and Prof Murray Norris and their contribution to The Kids’ Cancer Project. As they move on from their formal roles as part the RAC, I’d like to thank and recognise them for their exceptional support and involvement in such an important part of our organisation.
“In also like to highlight the efforts of Dr Justine Stehn as part of our RAC over the last nine years and welcome her officially to The Kids’ Cancer Project as our Head of Research. Justine brings a wealth of experience, dedication and knowledge to the role and will further strengthen our internal governance, capacity and capabilities as an organisation.”
The Kids’ Cancer Project Research Advisory Committee Chair, Prof David Ziegler, says a mix of Australian and international expertise on the committee ensures the highest calibre of scientific review.
“These appointments ensure that our committee continues to have world-class expertise,” he says. “This means that we can ensure that donations will continue to go towards the most promising and impactful research for kids with cancer.”
Dr DuBois, Dr Waddell and A/Prof Faridi join Dr Ziegler and four other notable members in rounding out the committee, including Dr Brenda Weigel, Prof Jonathan Izant, A/Prof Andrew Moore and Dr Jordana McLoone.
The new-look committee will meet officially for the first time in August as The Kids’ Cancer Project hosts its inaugural Research Symposium event in Sydney.
The Kids’ Cancer Project Research Advisory Committee
Dr Steven DuBois
Dr Nic Waddell
A/Prof Pouya Faridi