$2.70 million investment to support the next generation of childhood cancer researchers

As an independent charity with more than 30 years of experience funding research nationally, we’re backing the talent, expertise and leadership needed to drive discoveries forward and improve outcomes for children and young people with cancer. Our investment decisions are guided by an independent Research Advisory Committee (RAC), comprising national and international experts who rigorously assess research proposals to help ensure funding supports the people and projects with the greatest potential to make a difference. 

In FY’28, we’re committing $2.70 million over three years to seven Col Reynolds Fellowships, backing the talented Australian researchers, clinicians and allied health professionals who are shaping the future of childhood cancer research. 

For more than 30 years, The Kids’ Cancer Project has been committed to advancing childhood cancer research and improving outcomes for children and young people with cancer. We know that lasting progress takes more than funding promising research projects. It takes investing in the people behind the science – equipping them with the support and opportunities they need to grow, collaborate and turn discoveries into better outcomes for children and families. 

By investing in talented researchers and giving them the time and support to focus on their work, these fellowships help build a strong and sustainable research community. As Fellows, they become part of The Kids’ Cancer Project family and our growing alumni community, creating lasting connections that extend beyond their fellowship. Together, this network can continue to build knowledge, share expertise and pursue the discoveries needed to improve outcomes for children with cancer. 

Now in its second round, our Col Reynolds Fellowship program reflects this long-standing commitment. By investing in the people driving research forward, we’re helping build a stronger, more connected and sustainable workforce – future-proofing paediatric cancer research by supporting the best and brightest minds. 

The fellowships will support: 

This funding round focuses on supporting early-career researchers, including nurses and allied health professionals, as they take the next steps in their careers. As professionals at the forefront of clinical care, they bring valuable insights into real-world challenges and opportunities to improve outcomes for children with cancer. Supporting them to engage in research is essential to building a strong and sustainable research workforce, where people, ideas, collaboration and infrastructure can turn discoveries into meaningful progress.  

All three Fellowship streams are open to research aligned with The Kids’ Cancer Project’s 2024-2029 Research Strategy pillars: Discover, Translate and Support. The research question determines pillar alignment rather than the applicant's profession. 

Building a strong and sustainable research workforce requires long-term investment in people, ideas, collaboration and the infrastructure needed to turn discoveries into progress. Over the past three decades, we have invested more than $10.5 million in people, and thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are proud to continue this commitment by investing in the next generation of researchers. 

With new technologies and standards of care emerging worldwide, we’re committed to supporting research that can help bring better treatments and care – while building a stronger foundation for childhood cancer research into the future. By investing in a diverse community of researchers and clinicians, including medical, nursing and allied health professionals, we can bring different expertise and perspectives together to improve every aspect of care. 

The Col Reynolds Fellowships, made possible by generous donors to The Kids’ Cancer Project, support Australian researchers to pursue important questions in childhood cancer.