Governance
The NSW Regional Cancer Research Network is supported by advisory and governance groups that provide strategic oversight, strengthen collaboration, and support effective delivery of Network objectives and Cancer Institute NSW funding requirements.
Strategic Advisory Group (SAG)
Our Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) provides expert advice and recommendations to the Chief Investigator to support the effective and efficient delivery of the Network.
The SAG advises on the Network’s strategic direction and priorities in alignment with agreed objectives and outcomes with our funding body, the Cancer Institute NSW. It also provides guidance on local priorities, barriers, risks and opportunities, and actively supports the Chief Investigator in achieving the Network’s objectives and grant deliverables.
The SAG comprises research leaders from our partner organisations who bring strong knowledge of their local research environments, organisational influence, relevant skills aligned to the Network’s goals, and experience in overseeing large-scale projects. Members participate as representatives of their respective organisations, ensuring broad and informed governance across the Network.
Current members
- Professor Nikola Bowden, Chief Investigator, University of Newcastle (Chair)
- Professor Coralie English, Assistant Dean Research, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
- Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Director, Hunter Medical Research Institute
- Professor Christopher Levi, Executive Director Research, Hunter New England Local Health District
- Dr Andrew Bailey, Director of Research and Knowledge Translation, Mid North Coast Local Health District
- Dr Alex Stephens, Director of Research, Northern NSW Local Health District
- Dr Steevie Chan, Director of Research, Central Coast Local Health District
- Dr Lisa McFayden, General Manager, NSW Regional Health Partners
Cancer Institute NSW Translational Cancer Research Capacity Building Grant Governance Committee
The Translational Cancer Research Capacity Building Grant Governance Committee provides oversight and coordination to support delivery of the Capacity Building Grant Scheme, which aims to strengthen cancer research capacity across New South Wales and promote a collaborative, state-wide research culture to improve cancer care and outcomes.
The Committee facilitates ongoing collaboration between the Chief Investigators of the three programs currently funded under the Capacity Building Grant Scheme (Sydney Cancer Partners, SPHERE Cancer CAG and NSW Regional Cancer Research Network) and the Cancer Institute NSW. It ensures that shared initiatives and key milestones are effectively communicated, managed and achieved in line with agreed objectives.
Key responsibilities include oversight of state-wide initiatives such as the NSW Cancer Education Initiative, NSW Molecular Tumour Board and other collaborative programs developed during the grant period. The Committee also monitors the allocation and expenditure of funding for shared initiatives, supports alignment with the NSW Cancer Plan, and provides a forum for Chief Investigators to report on progress and identify opportunities for synergy with Cancer Institute NSW programs.
The Committee comprises Chief Investigators, senior executive and operational representatives from the three NSW programs, alongside senior leadership and research investment representatives from Cancer Institute NSW.
NSW Cancer Research Education Committee
The NSW Cancer Research Education Committee provides governance and strategic direction for joint education activities delivered under the Translational Cancer Research Capacity Building Grants (RCBG) by the three current programs (Sydney Cancer Partners, SPHERE Cancer CAG and NSW Regional Cancer Research Network).
The Committee leads the scoping, development and implementation of a joint, state-wide cancer research education strategy, drawing on expert input to ensure activities are aligned with Statewide Education Key Performance Indicators and RCBG Program Objectives.
Key responsibilities include setting priorities and overseeing the coordination and evaluation of education activities, including workshops, seminars and other programs designed to meet the needs of the broader cancer research community. The Committee also identifies areas of overlap with other education initiatives and promotes alignment with relevant programs of broader interest to cancer research staff.
In addition, the Committee reviews recommendations for education-related content and provides advice to Cancer Institute NSW, which retains final responsibility for content curation to ensure alignment with its strategic positions and priorities.
Key members include
- Professor Nikola Bowden, Chief Investigator, NSW Regional Cancer Research Network (Chair)
- Professor Anna Defazio, Chief Investigator, Sydney Cancer Partners
- Professor Geoff Delaney, Chief Investigator, SPHERE Cancer CAG
- Professor Roger Redel, Director, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney Cancer Partners
- Professor Rosemary Balleine, Clinical and Strategic Partnership Lead, Sydney Cancer Partners
- Maria Mury, Director, Strategic Research and Investment, Cancer Institute NSW
- Leighna Carmichael, Manager, Grants, Partnerships and Research Development, Cancer Institute NSW
- Plus nominated research representatives and operations staff for the three programs
If you have questions, please contact us at nswrcrn@newcastle.edu.au.