2024 IMPACT REPORT

The 2024 Impact Report highlights the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation’s investment in advancing brain cancer research, improving patient care, and supporting the next generation of scientists. Together with our partners, we’re working to accelerate discoveries from the lab to the clinic, ensuring every dollar drives meaningful, measurable impact for those who need it most.

READ OUR IMPACT REPORT

BRAIN CANCER VACCINE PROJECT

A Robert Connor Dawes Foundation Initiative, the Brain Cancer Vaccine Project, in partnership with The University of Queensland, is an mRNA Vaccine giving hope to children with brain cancer. 

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AIM BRAIN PROJECT

A Robert Connor Dawes Foundation Initiative, Cutting edge diagnostic tool for kids with brain cancer.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT RESEARCH WE'RE FUNDING

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RESEARCH MEMBERSHIPS

The Robert Connor Dawes Foundation continues to advocate for children with brain cancer and their families, partnering with renowned paediatric brain cancer research labs and consortia around the world. 

AUSTRALIAN BRAIN CANCER MISSION (ABCM)

The Robert Connor Dawes Foundation is a proud funding partner of the Australian Brain Cancer Mission, committing $1.25 million over five years to accelerate research and improve outcomes for children and young adults. Our Head of Research, Dr Kim Wark, served on the Mission’s Expert Advisory Panel in 2024–25, helping shape national priorities to improve survival, quality of life and access to clinical trials.

OUR PARTNERS

We’re proud to collaborate with leading research institutions and clinical networks across Australia and around the world. Together, we’re advancing discovery, improving care and accelerating progress for children and young people with brain cancer.

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PARTNER WITH US

For more information on research partnerships reach out to kimwark@rcdfoundation.org

CONFERENCES, SYMPOSIUMS, MEETINGS.

Stay up to date with key upcoming paediatric brain cancer research events in 2025 and 2026. From national meetings to international collaborations, these conferences bring together leading minds advancing research, care and outcomes for children and young people with brain cancer.

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Travel Grants

The Robert Connor Dawes Foundation is committed to supporting Australian researchers in attending national and international conferences dedicated to paediatric brain cancer.

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Travel Grants Scientifc Review Committee

We are lucky to have some of the best and brightest help in the selection process of our RCD funded travel grants.

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Paediatric Brain Cancer Research Grants

More information coming soon.

REPOSITORY 

MORE INFO COMING SOON.

More information coming soon.

We're proud to be a member of the TarGeT Collaborative, a groundbreaking partnership funding innovative clinical trials for children and young adults with high-grade gliomas.

Led by ANZCHOG, the trial uses precision medicine to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique tumour genetics — offering new hope in an area where options are limited.

Together with five philanthropic partners, we’re investing $1.9 million over seven years to make this life-changing research possible and bring cutting-edge therapies to kids across Australia and New Zealand.

Visit ANZCHOG for more information on open clinical trials.

mRNA Clinical Trial (PaedNEO-VAX)

PaedNEO-VAX is a clinical trial opening in Australia in early 2026, to test cancer vaccines designed specifically for children with advanced or treatment-resistant brain tumours.

The study – co-led by The University of Queensland and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and partnered with mRNA medicines platform company Providence Therapeutics – will provide personalised vaccines to children and adolescents. We understand that families will be keen to learn more and their children’s oncologists will be able to discuss the trial with them.

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We're proud to be a member of the TarGeT Collaborative, a groundbreaking partnership funding innovative clinical trials for children and young adults with high-grade gliomas.

Led by ANZCHOG, the trial uses precision medicine to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique tumour genetics — offering new hope in an area where options are limited.

Together with five philanthropic partners, we’re investing $1.9 million over seven years to make this life-changing research possible and bring cutting-edge therapies to kids across Australia and New Zealand.

Visit ANZCHOG for more information on open clinical trials.

mRNA Clinical Trial (PaedNEO-VAX)

PaedNEO-VAX is a clinical trial opening in Australia in early 2026, to test cancer vaccines designed specifically for children with advanced or treatment-resistant brain tumours.

The study – co-led by The University of Queensland and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and partnered with mRNA medicines platform company Providence Therapeutics – will provide personalised vaccines to children and adolescents. We understand that families will be keen to learn more and their children’s oncologists will be able to discuss the trial with them.

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The Australian Brain Tumour Landscape Report 2025

Are you interested in knowing some of the brain cancer research studies currently underway across Australia, that need participants?

The purpose of this notice board is to assist researchers in promoting their studies to brain cancer communities. It provides information on some brain cancer studies across Australia which are currently recruiting participants. All studies have been approved by ethics committees. Unless indicated, RCD is not funding these studies but is happy to raise awareness and help connect people. The studies are posted as researchers approach RCD. It is not a complete or comprehensive list of all brain cancer research studies at any one time.

 
Disclaimer: RCDF does not officially support or recommend any of the listed studies and it should not be taken as an endorsement. 

Beyond Brain Cancer Study

Beyond Brain Cancer is inviting people aged 15–40 who have experienced brain cancer and have completed successful treatment (treatment that treated, controlled or removed their tumour) to participate in a research study.

The study aims to better understand the impact of surviving brain cancer during adolescence and young adulthood, and how coping strategies and support programs can be better tailored to meet their needs.

Learn more HERE

RESEARCH MEMBERSHIPS

The Robert Connor Dawes Foundation continues to advocate for children with brain cancer and their families, partnering with renowned paediatric brain cancer research labs and consortia around the world. 

AUSTRALIAN BRAIN CANCER MISSION (ABCM)

The Robert Connor Dawes Foundation is a proud funding partner of the Australian Brain Cancer Mission, committing $1.25 million over five years to accelerate research and improve outcomes for children and young adults. Our Head of Research, Dr Kim Wark, served on the Mission’s Expert Advisory Panel in 2024–25, helping shape national priorities to improve survival, quality of life and access to clinical trials.

BRAIN CANCER VACCINE PROJECT

A Robert Connor Dawes Foundation Initiative, the Brain Cancer Vaccine Project, in partnership with The University of Queensland, is an mRNA Vaccine giving hope to children with brain cancer. 

LEARN MORE

AIM BRAIN PROJECT

A Robert Connor Dawes Foundation Initiative, Cutting edge diagnostic tool for kids with brain cancer.

LEARN MORE

CONTACT US

We’re always looking to connect with researchers and organisations who share our goal of changing the odds for young people with brain cancer. To explore research collaborations, co-funding opportunities or strategic partnerships, contact our Head of Research, Dr Kim Wark: kim@rcdfoundation.org