ACRF and Amgen Unite to Empower Women in Cancer Research

Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) and global biotechnology leader Amgen have announced a landmark 3-year partnership designed to advance gender diversity in cancer research and empower women at every stage of their careers. This innovative collaboration aims to address the critical need for greater female representation and leadership in the field, fostering breakthroughs from the laboratory to clinical care.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

The ACRF-Amgen partnership is built around a shared vision to accelerate life-changing cancer research and improve outcomes through the power of diverse perspectives. The initiative focuses on:

• Amplifying Women-Led Innovation: Encouraging and supporting female researchers to lead transformative projects in cancer research.
• Sustaining Impactful Research Careers: Providing resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities tailored to the unique challenges faced by women in science.
• Advancing Career Progression: Creating pathways to leadership roles for women, ensuring they are equipped to shape the future of cancer research.
• Driving Gender Diversity in Innovation: Empowering diverse thinkers to tackle cancer, one of the world’s greatest challenges, with the ultimate goal of achieving a world without cancer.

The Collaboration

ACRF and Amgen aim to accelerate progress and ensure women’s voices are at the forefront of delivering life-changing solutions for cancer.

Why This Matters

Despite growing awareness of the gender gap in STEMM fields, women remain underrepresented in senior research roles and leadership positions. This partnership is a call to action to change the narrative, ensuring that brilliant female minds have the tools, resources, and opportunities to lead the way in cancer research and innovation.

“ACRF is committed to investing in the brightest minds in cancer research, and this partnership with Amgen allows us to specifically focus on the incredible potential of female researchers. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive and impactful research landscape.” Kerry Strydom, CEO, ACRF

“Amgen believes diversity drives innovation. Our collaboration with ACRF reflects our commitment to empowering women to contribute meaningfully to breakthroughs that change lives. Through this partnership, we are investing in the future of cancer research and the women leading it.” Cae Tolman, Senior Medical Director, Amgen Australia

Program Highlights

1. Women in Cancer Research Grant Award – Dedicated funding to support a female researcher as part of ACRF’s Annual Grant Awards from 2025, 2026 and 2027.
2. Women in Cancer Research Leadership Development Workshops – Connecting women researchers to build communities of collaboration and support through skill-sharing, mentorship, and career growth.
3. Amgen Preceptorship – Learning and study tour for ACRF funded cancer researchers. Details to be announced in 2025.

ACRF and Amgen look forward to supporting women in cancer research and driving meaningful change in the management and treatment of cancer. Together, we can amplify diverse voices and accelerate the path to a world without cancer.