We are proud to announce that the ground-breaking work of the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) team has been recognised with two prestigious 2024 NSW Premier’s Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research.

Our MIA Clinical Trials Team received the 2024 Outstanding Cancer Clinical Trials Unit Award, which honours a cancer research unit for its performance and demonstrated operational efficiency and productivity.

The Clinical Trials Unit at MIA is driving transformative clinical innovations and leading the way in advancing melanoma and non-melanoma research.

Through investigator-led trials, the Unit is helping to enrol approximately 400 patients each year into potentially life-saving clinical trials. Notable investigator-led trials, namely the ABC and NADINA trials, have established new standards in melanoma treatment.

This award recognises the exceptional dedication of the Clinical Trials team, headed by MIA’s Director of Clinical Care, Maria Gonzalez, which has directly contributed to improving treatment outcomes, making a real difference for melanoma patients.

Pathologist Dr Robert Rawson, a member of MIA Faculty, received the 2024 Rising Star PhD Candidate Award, which honours an exceptional PhD Candidate who is making significant progress in their research and is showing the potential to make an impact in cancer research.

Dr Rawson is completing his PhD as a part time student whilst holding a full-time position as a Tissue Pathology Staff Specialist at MIA and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. His innovative research focuses on accurately determining the pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy in primary and metastatic melanoma. His work is shaping the future of melanoma treatment and helping clinicians deliver patients the most appropriate care for their cancer.

This work allows clinicians to either deescalate or change therapy depending on the type and degree of response to the treatment administered and provides a more personalised cancer treatment plan for patients, with the aim to deliver the most appropriate care for better health outcomes.

Dr Rawson has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and frequently presents at local and international meetings. He has an impressive track record of research for his stage of career, with more than 50 publications of original research to date.