Ailin Huang

Tell us about your latest work.

As a Clinical Trials Coordinator at MIA, I act as a bridge linking the medical team, sponsors, patients, and regulatory bodies, ensuring that clinical trials are conducted smoothly, ethically, and in full compliance with the study protocol (the guiding document for the trial).

How did you get into the melanoma research field?

During the COVID pandemic, I decided to enrol in a Master of Science in Medicine at The University of Sydney. That was really the first time I learned about the broader landscape of drug development, beyond what I’d seen in clinical practice. Coming from a nursing background, it opened my eyes to the impact of research at a population level – not just at the bedside. Around the same time, I watched some presentations by Prof Georgina Long and Prof Richard Scolyer from MIA, and the vision of eliminating melanoma was incredibly inspiring. That combination of academic learning and personal inspiration is what ultimately encouraged me to make the move into melanoma research.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

One of the highlights of my career so far has been coordinating adjuvant immunotherapy trials for patients with resected (surgically removed) melanoma, from early-stage to advanced disease. Unlike my previous role as a surgical ward nurse, where the focus was on direct patient care, this position required a shift toward the regulatory and operational side of clinical research. A key part of my role involved managing serious adverse event (SAE) reporting, which meant working closely with investigators, sponsors, and regulatory bodies to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant documentation. In this high-stakes environment, I took pride in interpreting complex data from hospital records and ensuring regulatory standards were upheld. Contributing directly to patient safety and the integrity of the trial was an incredibly rewarding experience and reaffirmed my commitment to advancing care through clinical research.

What is your favourite part of your work?

What I enjoy most is being at the intersection of science and patient care. I value the opportunity to contribute to something larger than individual clinic visits – knowing that our work – collecting data and monitoring safety – can shape future treatment options and move us closer to the goal of zero deaths from melanoma. I also enjoy the problem-solving side of the role: navigating protocol requirements, managing complex logistics, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to keep the trial running smoothly. It’s a dynamic environment, and the constant variation keeps me engaged and continuously learning.

Do you have a nickname?

“Matcha Connoisseur”.

What is your favourite quote?

‘When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals; adjust the action steps.’ – Confucius.

What is your favourite movie?

One of my favourite movies is Grave of the Fireflies. It’s a profoundly moving story about resilience, loss, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. What resonates with me is how it highlights the importance of compassion and care, even in the darkest times. It’s a reminder of the impact that small acts of kindness can have, which really connects to my work in clinical research – where every detail, every patient’s story, matters deeply.