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TRAVEL GRANTS & AWARDS

Breast Cancer Trials recognises the contributions of members to our research program and provides professional development opportunities.

2025 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 2025 ASM will be held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart Tasmania, from 23-25 July 2025.

For more information about the 2025 ASM please visit our ASM website.

Applications for the Alan Coates Award, John Collins Medal, Study Coordinator Prize, Education Travel Grants and Trainee and Early Career Grants are now open.

Past Award Recipients

asm award recipients table

 

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.

Applications are now open, and will close midnight Wednesday 30 April.

  • Eligibility Criteria

    • The award is open to Full Members of BCT who have made a significant contribution to the BCT’s clinical trials research program. The member’s contribution can involve any activity or profession that has enhanced the research program.
    • Nominees must be Full Members of BCT.

  • Award Details

    • A financial contribution up to $10,000 towards the recipient’s professional development activities. These monies will be facilitated by BCT.

  • Awardees Responsibilities

    • Within 90 days of receiving the award at the ASM, the Alan Coates Award for Excellence in Clinical Trials Research recipient must provide a detailed account of how they intend to use the award to enhance their professional development.
    • Within 12 months of receiving the award, the recipient will provide a report to BCT upon completion of their professional development activities, detailing their experience and how it has enhanced their career.

  • Selection Process

    Selection of the award recipient will be made based upon the abilities and experience of the candidate. This will be evaluated from the nomination form and supporting statement.

    • A nomination form must be completed and submitted online.
    • Nominations will include a CV and a supporting statement from the Nominator/Referee. The Nominator/Referee must be a Full Member of BCT.
    • Nominations are considered by the BCT Awards Committee and awarded at the discretion of BCT Board of Directors.
    • Nominators will be notified of the outcome of their nomination before the ASM.

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 2025 Robert Sutherland Award are now closed.

  • Eligibility Criteria

    • This award is open to Translational Researchers worldwide, who wish to enhance their knowledge of clinical research, in particular breast cancer clinical trials research.
    • The recipient will be selected from the confirmed speakers attending the ASM. Nominations can be made at anytime of the year, for consideration at the next ASM.
    • The recipient does not need to be a member of BCT but must be nominated by a Full Member of the Group.

  • Award Details

    • A financial contribution up to $10,000 towards supporting the recipient’s research or professional development. These monies will be facilitated by BCT.

  • Awardees Responsibilities

    • The Robert Sutherland Award for Excellence in Translational Research recipient will be invited to present a lecture at the ASM.

  • Selection Process

    • A nomination form must be completed and submitted online.
    • Nominations will include a CV and supporting statement from the Nominator/Referee. The Nominator/Referee must be a Full Member of BCT.
    • Nominations are considered by the BCT Awards Committee and awarded at the discretion of BCT Board of Directors.
    • Nominators will be notified of the outcome of their nomination before the ASM.

John Collins Fellow Medal & Travel Grant

Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) established the John Collins Fellow Medal & Travel Grant to encourage potential academic breast surgeons and registrars to become involved in clinical trials research. The objective of the award is to provide an early career surgeon or Fellow/registrar, with an interest in clinical research, the opportunity to:
  • 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 Fellowship is offered annually and if awarded, presented at the ASM. The award will be made at the discretion of the Board.

  • Eligibility Criteria

    • This award is open to Australian and New Zealand Surgical Trainees or recent Fellows, who wish to enhance their knowledge of clinical research, in particular breast cancer.

  • Award Details

    • The Award will cover the cost of attending the BCT ASM including return economy class airfares, accommodation for the duration of the ASM and full registration. All travel and registration for the successful applicant will be organised through the ASM Secretariat.

  • Awardees Responsibilities

    • The John Collins Fellow Medal and Travel Grant recipient is expected to be available and participate in all ASM activities.

  • Selection Process

    Selection of the award recipient will be made based upon the abilities and experience of the candidate and the potential benefits to the individual and/or other surgeons from attending the ASM. This will be evaluated from the candidate’s application and supporting references.
    • A nomination form must be completed and submitted online.
    • Nominations will include a CV and supporting statement from the Nominator/Referee. The Nominator/Referee must be a Full Member of BCT.
    • Nominations are considered by the BCT Awards Committee and awarded at the discretion of BCT Board of Directors.
    • Nominators will be notified of the outcome of their nomination before the ASM.

The Study Coordinator Prize

Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) established the Study Coordinator Prize in 2008 in acknowledgment of the special and dedicated work Study Coordinators and Research Nurses do and the important role they play in the conduct of clinical trials research.  The intention of this award is to recognise the special contribution made to BCTs clinical trials and to provide the recipient with the opportunity to:

  • Travel to the BCT Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM).
  • Registration for the ASM including social events.
  • $500 towards a clinical trials professional development opportunity.

Applications are open and will close midnight Wednesday 30 April.

  • Eligibility Criteria

    • This award is open to Australian and New Zealand Study Coordinators and Research Nurses with an active role in contributing to one or more of BCT’s clinical trials.

  • Award Details

    • The Award will cover the cost of attending the BCT ASM including return economy class airfares, accommodation for the duration of the ASM and full registration. All travel and registration for the successful applicant will be organised through the ASM Secretariat.

  • Selection Process

    Selection of the award recipient will be made based upon their contribution made to BCTs clinical trials. This will be evaluated from the candidate’s application and supporting references.
    • A nomination form must be completed and submitted online.
    • Nominations will include a supporting statement from the Nominator/Referee.
    • Nominations are considered by the BCT Trials Department.
    • Nominators will be notified of the outcome of their nomination before the ASM.

Education Travel Grants

Education Travel Grants are available to Full Members of Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) who have limited access to financial support to attend the BCT’s Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM). The Award is up to the value of $2000, which includes return economy class airfares, accommodation for the duration of the ASM, the conference dinner and free registration.

Applications are now open and will close midnight Friday 18 April.

  • Eligibility Criteria

    • Education Travel Grant recipients must be a Full Member of BCT.

  • Award Details

    • The Award is up to the value of $2000, which includes return economy class airfares, accommodation for the duration of the ASM, the conference dinner and free registration. All travel and registration for the successful applicant will be organised through BCT.

  • Awardees Responsibilities

    • Education Travel Grant recipients are expected to be available and participate in all ASM activities.
    • Education Travel Grant recipients are expected to provide a report which summarises how the recipient benefited from receiving the grant within 30 days of the conclusion of the ASM. The report should be submitted to asm@bctrials.org.au

  • Selection Process

    Priority will be given to applicants from new sites or regional centres, new members of the BCT who are unfamiliar with the Group’s clinical trials processes, and valuable contributors to the BCT clinical trial program with strong recruitment records.

    • An application form must be completed and submitted online.
    • Applications are considered by the BCT Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer – Research.
    • Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application.

Trainee and Early Career Weekend Grants

The Trainee & Early Career (T&EC) Day grants are available to those who are in an oncological training program (i.e., medical, radiation or surgical) or within five years of receiving consultant qualification – FRACP, FRACS, RANZCR or equivalent.

All travel and registration for the successful applicant will be organised through Breast Cancer Trials (BCT).

Applications are now open and will close midnight Wednesday 30 April.

  • Awardee Responsibilities

    • Recipients are expected to be available and participate in all Trainee & Early Career Weekend activities including the social dinner on Saturday evening. Recipients are expected to provide a report which summaries how the recipient benefited from receiving the grant within 30 days of the conclusion of the weekend. The report should be submitted to asm@bctrials.org.au.

  • Selection Process

    • Applicants will be required to complete an application form online, with the deadline for submission being 5pm on 30 April 2024.
    • The T&EC Weekend Organising Committee will subsequently review each application and select the best cases for presentation. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their submission by mid-May 2024.
    • The successful applicants will be expected to present a patient case and then discuss a seminal piece of evidence (publication or conference abstract) that supports a key decision in that patient’s care.
    • A multi-disciplinary panel will be present to participate in discussion points around the case. Each presenter will have a total of 20 minutes. They should aim to present their case and discuss supportive evidence in 12-15 minutes, and the remaining time will be left for discussion.

For more information or enquiries about BCT Awards, contact the ASM Secretariat: PH +61 24925 3068 or email asm@bctrials.org.au.

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