TRAVEL GRANTS & AWARDS

2026 Breast Cancer Trials Travel Grants & Awards

The Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) Board of Directors are pleased to recognise the valuable contribution of BCT members to the Group’s clinical trials research program; provide professional development opportunities for members; recognise outstanding achievement by researchers, clinicians and scientists in their particular field; and help promote the research activities of BCT and encourage participation in them.

All BCT awards are at the discretion of the Board of the Directors. Awards are presented at the BCT Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM). The 2026 ASM will be held at the Sofitel Brisbane Central, in Queensland, from 29-31 July 2026. We are currently working on our 2026 ASM website, which will go live in October.

Past Award Recipients

The John Forbes Gold Medal Award

Professor Forbes was one of the founding members of Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) and served as its inaugural Chair of Research. Over his distinguished career, he led landmark international clinical trials that transformed the treatment and care of people affected by breast cancer, including practice-changing studies in the use of endocrine therapy. He was also instrumental in building the collaborative networks that underpin the success of BCT today.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Professor Forbes was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2016 for significant service to medicine, particularly to breast cancer research, to higher education, and to the development of academic and clinical trials. The John Forbes Gold Medal Award continues his legacy by recognising those whose vision, leadership, and commitment have shaped the future of breast cancer clinical trials and improved outcomes for people affected by the disease.

Nominations for the John Forbes Gold Medal Award are now open, and will close 30 April 2026. Click the button below to find out more or to complete your nomination.

The Alan Coates Award for Excellence in Clinical Trials Research

Professor Alan Coates AM is one of the founding members of Breast Cancer Trials (BCT), Visiting Scientist at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Clinical Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney. Professor Coates was Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Council Australia from 1998 to 2006 and President of the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia in 1994 and 1995.

He is a foundation member of BCT Board of Directors and a BCT Life Member. He was the first Chair of BCT’s Scientific Advisory Committee from its formal establishment in 1985 to 2005. In 2002 he was honoured by the Order of Australia when he was awarded an AM for ‘service to medicine in the field of oncology, particularly through breast cancer research’.

The Alan Coates Award for Excellence in Clinical Trials Research recognises an individual member of BCT who has made an outstanding contribution to BCT’s clinical trials research program and aims to assist the recipient in their professional development. The recipient will be recognised for the quality of their scientific contributions and will receive a financial contribution of up to $10,000 towards their professional development activities.

Nominations for the Alan Coates Award are now open, and will close 30 April 2026. Click the button below to find out more or to complete your nomination.

The Robert Sutherland Award for Excellence in Translational Research

Professor Robert Sutherland AO was the Director of the Cancer Research Program at the Garvan Institute for 27 years, Senior Principal Research Fellow of the National Health and Medical Research Council and inaugural Director of the Kinghorn Cancer Centre in Darlinghurst. He was a former Board member of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, Cancer Council NSW and Cancer Institute NSW and served on various committees including the National Health and Medical Research Council.

In 2010 he received the NSW Premier’s Award for Outstanding Cancer Researcher and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) “for distinguished service to medicine as an international contributor to the research of cancer, the development of Australia’s research capacity and through leadership roles in advisory bodies”.

The Robert Sutherland Award for Excellence in Translational Research recognises Translational Researchers and their achievements and contributions to improved patient outcomes as well as scientific excellence.

The recipient will be invited to present a lecture at the BCT Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) and a financial contribution of up to $10,000 towards their research or professional development. The award is open to Translational Researchers worldwide. The Award is offered annually and is made at the discretion of the Board.

Nominations for the 2026 Robert Sutherland Award are now closed.

John Collins Fellow Medal & Travel Grant

• Travel to the BCT Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM);
• Learn about current breast cancer clinical trials;
• Participate in discussions and plans for future Australian and International studies;
• Network with experienced breast cancer clinicians and trialists

The Study Coordinator Prize

Education Travel Grants

Trainee and Early Career Day Grants