What We Do

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The NSW Regional Cancer Research Network is dedicated to strengthening regional cancer research capacity by supporting the clinicians, researchers and health services delivering cancer care across regional New South Wales. Everything we do is focused on enabling high-quality, locally driven research that improves outcomes for people affected by cancer in regional communities.

At a glance

  • Build capacity for regional cancer research
  • Connect clinicians, researchers, services and communities
  • Support locally driven projects and regional participation
  • Translate research into practical improvements in care
  • Advocate for regional priorities in research and policy

What we do

Champion regional-led cancer research

We foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between researchers, healthcare professionals, regional cancer services, people affected by cancer and their communities. By ensuring regional voices are central to research design and delivery, we help generate evidence that leads to meaningful improvements in regional cancer care.

Strengthen regional research capability and participation

We build on existing strengths within regional NSW to enhance research skills, infrastructure and leadership. Our work creates more opportunities for clinicians and patients in regional areas to participate in cancer research close to home.

Generate evidence that reflects regional realities

We support the development of scientific and clinical evidence that addresses the unique challenges faced by regional communities, including access to care, workforce constraints and geographic distance. This ensures regional cancer research is relevant, practical and impactful.

Support locally driven research initiatives

By prioritising research informed by local insights, we help address critical gaps in cancer care and improve health outcomes for people living in regional NSW. Our approach empowers regional clinicians and researchers to lead projects that matter to their communities.

Advocate for regional priorities in cancer research and policy

We provide leadership in shaping state and national cancer research and health policy, advocating for the needs of regional NSW. Through coordinated representation, we ensure regional perspectives influence decisions that affect cancer services and research funding.

Provide targeted research support to regional teams

We offer specialised research support to Network members, enabling them to conduct high-quality, regionally focused cancer research and build sustainable regional research capacity.

How we are doing it

Creating connected research communities

We host a virtual collaboration platform that brings together clinicians, researchers, regional cancer services and people affected by cancer. This platform enhances engagement, knowledge sharing and collaboration across the Network.

Understanding regional research capacity and culture

We conduct a comprehensive Research Capacity and Culture survey across partner Local Health Districts. This helps us understand the current regional research environment, identify strengths and set priorities for capacity building.

Funding and supporting regional research projects

We provide funding and expert research support for smaller, regionally focused cancer research projects within partner Local Health Districts and regional cancer services, enabling locally relevant research to progress.

Growing clinician-led research

We deliver targeted initiatives that build research skills and confidence among clinicians and healthcare professionals, supporting locally informed cancer research led from within regional health services.

Building on what already works

We identify and expand existing research capacity-building activities across the Network, strengthening connections and maximising the impact of regional research efforts.

Delivering large-scale regional collaboration

We lead Network-wide collaborative cancer research projects across partner Local Health District cancer services, focused on improving outcomes for people affected by cancer in regional communities.

Influencing policy through regional representation

We work with partners, end-users and government to increase regional representation on key state and federal advisory groups and clinical organisations related to cancer services and research.

Shaping cancer policy for regional NSW

We contribute to national and state-level discussions on cancer services and research by coordinating submissions and responses to government consultations, ensuring regional cancer research and care remain a priority.

Research in action

Dr Mirjana Radovanovic and Associate Professor Jenny Schneider working on a Clinician Research Fellowship project

Associate Professor Jenny Schneider, a funded Clinician Research Fellow, is pictured working on her fellowship project alongside Dr Mirjana Radovanovic. Clinician Research Fellowships support protected research time for regional clinicians to lead high-quality, locally driven cancer research embedded within health services.

Building research leadership within regional health services.

Impact beyond the lab

Network member contributing to policy and system-level change

Network members also contribute beyond individual projects, helping shape policy, practice and system-level change by bringing regional perspectives into state-wide and national cancer research and health policy discussions.