Leukaemia Foundation, UWA announce landmark $3 million Endowed Chair in Blood Cancer

Based at UWA, the Chair will focus on prevention, early detection and diagnostics – areas that have historically received less than 10% of blood cancer research funding in Australia, compared with 20-55% for other major cancers such as breast, prostate and melanomaⁱ. 

Its establishment directly responds to the Australian Research Roadmap for Blood Cancer, which identifies an urgent national need for greater investment in prevention and diagnostics to address rising cases and mortality rates. 

“Blood cancer continues to be one of the nation’s most rapidly increasing cancers, with cases rising by a staggering 90% since 2003,” Mr Stavreski said.  

“Without significant intervention, the number of Australians diagnosed each year is expected to double within 10-15 yearsⁱⁱ. 

“We’ve made incredible advances in treatment but, too often, blood cancer is diagnosed only once it’s already advanced. This Chair will help us change that trajectory – by investing where the potential for long-term impact is greatest.  

“Earlier detection means treatments are more effective, less invasive and less costly, and that means better outcomes for patients and their families.” 

The Leukaemia Foundation Tony Fini Chair in Blood Cancer 

Establishment of the Chair is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Tony Fini Foundation, the official naming rights donor. It means that for a 15-year period, the position will be known as the Leukaemia Foundation Tony Fini Chair in Blood Cancer. 

The Fini family is one of WA’s most respected names in philanthropy and has supported the Leukaemia Foundation since 2010.  

This support included the relocation of the Foundation’s WA accommodation and offices to the Stirling Cross Blood Cancer Centre in Innaloo in 2017, and seed funding for the Leukaemia Foundation Endowment Fund, which helped establish the Chair.  

A partnership built for lasting impact 

This milestone initiative is a testament to the partnership between the Leukaemia Foundation and The University of Western Australia, combining national leadership in blood cancer care and support with world-class academic and scientific capability.  

“Together, we are creating a legacy that will benefit not just Western Australians, but people affected by blood cancer throughout Australia and around the world,” Mr Stavreski said. 

“The Chair ensures that discovery leads to impact – and that impact leads to lives saved.” 

UWA Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health and Medical Research) Professor Romola Bucks said it was the first pre-clinical chair in blood cancer discovery in Western Australia. 

“We look forward to working together with the Leukaemia Foundation to drive innovation and enhance blood cancer research capability as a national and international hub for excellence,” Professor Bucks said. 

“The Chair will be a central pillar in building a stronger, more connected ecosystem for blood cancer and haematology research, one that attracts, nurtures and retains outstanding early - and mid-career researchers in the field.” 

Professor Bucks said the generosity and visionary support provided would fuel the next frontier in blood cancer research, especially in early detection, an area with exciting potential to improve patient outcomes.  

“It is also one in which UWA holds national strength, particularly through the outstanding work of Professor Wendy Erber and her team, a legacy we are proud to build upon through our partnership with the Leukaemia Foundation,” she said. 

For more information about the Leukaemia Foundation Tony Fini Chair in Blood Cancer, visit leukaemia.org.au. 

ⁱ Cancer Australia, 2003, Cancer Research in Australia: An overview of funding for cancer research projects and programs in Australia, 2012 to 2020. Cancer Australia, Surry Hills, NSW.

ⁱⁱ Cancer Australia, 2003, Cancer Research in Australia: An overview of funding for cancer research projects and programs in Australia, 2012 to 2020. Cancer Australia, Surry Hills, NSW.