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The Kids’ Cancer Project and Children's Cancer Institute are proud to announce Jasmine Jin as the inaugural recipient of the Josh McCarroll PhD Excellence Award, recognising an outstanding emerging researcher whose work has the potential to improve outcomes for children.
Established earlier this year by The Kids’ Cancer Project and Children's Cancer Institute, the Josh McCarroll PhD Excellence Award honours the legacy of the late Associate Professor Josh McCarroll – an internationally respected scientist, mentor and advocate for childhood cancer research who passed away in 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Named with the endorsement of the McCarroll family, the award recognises not only research excellence, but also leadership, mentorship and a commitment to building a long-term career in childhood cancer research – qualities that defined Josh's own remarkable career.
The scholarship provides funding for up to three years to support exceptional PhD students undertaking research at Children's Cancer Institute.
Currently undertaking her PhD at Children's Cancer Institute, Jasmine's research focuses on identifying new ways to improve immunotherapy for children with high-risk solid cancers, including neuroblastoma.
Her project will investigate how the drug CBL0137 can reshape the tumour microenvironment to help the immune system better recognise and attack childhood cancers. Her research aims to generate critical preclinical evidence that could support the development of more effective and less toxic immunotherapies for children with solid tumours.
Jasmine said receiving the inaugural award was both a tremendous honour and an important responsibility.
"Receiving the Josh McCarroll PhD Excellence Award is a tremendous honour and is deeply meaningful to me, both professionally and personally,” she said.
“This award will provide valuable support throughout my PhD, enabling me to focus on research aimed at improving outcomes for children with high-risk solid cancers.
Receiving an award established in Josh's memory is especially significant and motivates me to pursue research that not only advances scientific understanding but also makes a real difference for children and families.
The Kids’ Cancer Project CEO Owen Finegan congratulated Jasmine on her selection.
"On behalf of all at The Kids’ Cancer Project, I’d like to congratulate Jasmine on becoming the inaugural recipient of the Josh McCarroll PhD Excellence Award,” he said.
“Josh was passionate about supporting emerging researchers, and this scholarship ensures his legacy lives on through the next generation of childhood cancer scientists. Jasmine embodies the curiosity, dedication and leadership this award was created to recognise, and her work has the potential to make a lasting impact for kids with cancer.
As an independent charity, we are also incredibly grateful to our donors, whose generosity makes opportunities like this, and the discoveries they inspire, possible.
Professor Maria Kavallaris AM from Children's Cancer Institute said, “Jasmine's selection reflected both her scientific excellence and her commitment to improving the future of childhood cancer treatment.”
Professor Phoebe Phillips AM said Josh would have been immensely proud to see his legacy supporting the next generation of researchers.
"Josh was driven by a simple goal: to address the unmet needs of children and families facing cancer. Inspired by his own experience as a child with cancer, he devoted his career to developing safer and more effective treatments. Even when cancer returned later in his own life, his focus remained on helping others and creating opportunities for his students to succeed. A humble and generous mentor, he found genuine joy in seeing young scientist’s flourish. Josh would be incredibly proud that this award is supporting a talented young researcher like Jasmine to pursue science that could change lives.” Said Professor Phoebe Phillips AM, Josh’s loving wife, collaborator and member of UNSW Medicine and Health.
Josh’s younger brother Nicholas extended his heartfelt congratulations to Jasmine on behalf of the McCarroll family for being the inaugural recipient of the Josh McCarroll PhD Excellence Award.
“Joshua would be immensely proud of your achievement, and this recognition is a testament to your hard work and dedication. We wish you continued success and we look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make throughout what we are sure will be a rewarding and inspiring career,” he said.
The Josh McCarroll PhD Excellence Award ensures Josh's legacy will continue to inspire and support outstanding young researchers dedicated to changing the future for children with cancer. Through Jasmine's research, and the many future recipients who will follow, Josh's passion for scientific excellence, mentorship and collaboration will continue to shape the next generation of childhood cancer discoveries.
To read more about Jasmine and her project, click here.
