With a theme of driving innovative trials, our Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) brought together more than 350 researchers, health professionals and consumers from across Australia and New Zealand with the common goal of advancing cancer care through vital research.
Convened by Ms Jenna Dean from the Olivia Newtown-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Dr Michelle Li and A/Prof Vanessa Panettieri, both from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the ASM program paved the way for innovative future research, exploring vital issues ranging from boosting consumer engagement in research to the way in which AI could reshape clinical trials of the future.
More than 50 speakers shared their expertise and learnings with delegates, and consumer presenters offered valuable insights in sessions focusing on each of TROG’s five subspecialty research areas – breast; head, neck and skin; lung; genitourinary and central nervous system. The Equity in Motion session also highlighted innovative ways to enhance consumer collaboration and equity across clinical trials.
The way ever-changing technology will impact trial development was also a strong focus, with presentations on a large language model for radiation oncology being used by the United States Mayo Clinic and an exploration of how to use AI in clinical research.
The Gala Dinner, with the theme ‘Full throttle formal” was a highlight, with delegates donning dinner suits and gowns to walk the red carpet and celebrate in style alongside Melbourne’s Albert Park F1 Circuit. The evening was also an opportunity to announce TROG’s Research Excellence Award winners for 2026 (see below).
We extend our thanks to event managers ASN Events for their tireless work organising the meeting, and to the many exhibitors and sponsors whose support is key to the success of the ASM. Special thanks to Event Partner Varian, Platinum sponsor Elekta, Educational Symposium sponsor Astra Zeneca, Gala Dinner sponsor GenesisCare and Welcome Reception sponsor Brainlab.
Speaker presentation slides from the TROG 2026 ASM will be available for viewing by delegates shortly. The full gallery of photographs from the Gala Dinner will also be made available, if you’d like to access photos of yourself on the red carpet.
Delegates who attended the ASM will receive a link and password via email to access these presentations and photos soon. Please monitor your inbox for further instructions.
We were thrilled that more than 15 consumers from across NSW, Queensland and New Zealand could participate in the ASM as speakers, panellists and delegates.
A session on clinical trial access and inclusivity for unrepresented groups explored ways of increasing trial participation among rural and remote Australians, First Nations people and older patients, who are often excluded from trials.
Another highlight was the panel session which explored ways to improve partnerships and collaborations between researchers and consumers, facilitated by Prof Sandra Turner, radiation oncologist from Westmead Hospital. The panellists highlighted the need for diversity in consumer involvement research.
Thanks to Prof Joerg Lehmann for his photography of the ASM and Twenty One Studio for photography at the Gala Dinner.
Event Partner
Platinum Sponsor
Gala Dinner Sponsor
Welcome Reception Sponsor
Barista Coffee Cart Sponsor
Educational sponsor
Workshop Sponsor
Silver sponsor
Bronze sponsors
Award Sponsor
