ANZGOG opens 2026 Fund for New Research Grants to accelerate the next generation of gynaecological cancer research

MEDIA RELEASE 

Friday, 14 August 2026  

ANZGOG opens 2026 Fund for New Research Grants to accelerate the next generation of gynaecological cancer research 

The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) has today opened applications for its 2026 Fund for New Research Grant Program, supporting researchers to investigate promising ideas and generate the evidence needed to progress larger studies and future clinical trials. 

Supported by significant contributions from ANZGOG donors, the 2026 program will fund four priority research areas, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000: 

• Endometrial cancer focused surgical study – one grant of up to $55,000 

• Leiomyosarcoma focused project – one grant of $65,000 

• Endometrial cancer focused project – one grant of up to $100,000 

• Clinical or pre-clinical ovarian carcinosarcoma project – one grant of up to $50,000 

The Fund is designed to support research at an important early stage of development, when researchers have a promising idea or question that needs to be tested, explored or developed before it can progress to a larger research project or clinical trial. 

For gynaecological cancers, this investment is particularly important. While research has led to significant advances in the understanding and treatment of cancer, there remain important gaps in evidence, treatment and care across the different types of gynaecological cancers. Generating the evidence to address these gaps is essential to developing better approaches to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life. 

ANZGOG Research Manager John Andrews said the Fund provides an important opportunity to help promising research take its next step. 

“Research that changes clinical practice starts with researchers asking important questions and having the opportunity to investigate them. The Fund for New Research supports that critical stage of research development, helping investigators generate the evidence and insights needed to build a larger research project and, ultimately, where appropriate, progress towards a clinical trial”. Mr Andrews said. 

“It is an investment in the research pipeline, supporting ideas that have the potential to become the studies of tomorrow. We are particularly pleased to encourage Early Career Researchers to apply. Supporting the next generation of researchers is critical to building a strong and sustainable gynaecological cancer research community across Australia and New Zealand.” he added. 

The Fund for New Research Grant Program is intended to help researchers bridge the gap between an initial research idea and a larger study. Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate a clear pathway towards a larger research project or clinical trial and align with ANZGOG’s research goals. 

Eligible projects may be clinical, translational, pre-clinical or survivorship research, with each category assessed separately. Clinical projects may include pilot or feasibility studies intended to generate data for a larger research project, or sub-studies of clinical studies already underway, including clinical and quality-of-life studies. 

Investing in the future of research 

The Fund for New Research Grant Program is also an investment into ANZGOG Members, the people who will shape the future of gynaecological cancer research. Early Career Researchers are particularly encouraged to apply, providing an opportunity to develop research experience, test new ideas and contribute to the evidence base that will underpin future research and clinical practice. 

The program is open to ANZGOG members only. Each member may submit a maximum of one application, including as a co-investigator. Projects must be directly aligned with ANZGOG’s research goals and be feasible and achievable within the proposed budget and timeframe.  

Key dates are: 

• 28 September 2026: Applications close 

• 1 October 2026: RAC Executive Meeting – approval to proceed to funding review 

• 2–27 October 2026: Grant Panel review 

• 26 November 2026: ANZGOG Board of Directors meeting 

• 27 November 2026: Final applicant notifications 

• December 2026–January 2027: Contracting with successful applicants 

The Fund for New Research supports ANZGOG’s vision of Advancing research, saving lives by investing in research that can help build the evidence, studies and clinical trials needed to improve the future of gynaecological cancer care. 

Applications, including all required attachments, must be emailed to [email protected] by Monday, 28 September 2026. For more information, visit www.anzgog.org.au.  ENDS