CCIA is strongly committed to fostering the next generation of research leaders through our research students. We aim to provide the best possible facilities, resources and personalised training to bring out the best in our young researchers.

The the Lowy Cancer Research Centre, where the Institute is housed, is the largest cancer research facility in the country, affiliated with both the University of NSW and the Sydney Children's Hospital to underpin our strong focus on translational research.

The majority of CCIA students are enrolled through the Faculty of Medicine at the University of NSW.

CCIA students enjoy a number of benefits:

• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
• Diverse but collaborative areas of research including basic, pre-clinical and clinical research on children's cancer.
• World leaders in their field, both within the Institute and in the local area, to guide and support students.
• A suite of development opportunities, such as travel to conferences and skill building.
• A supplementary scholarship award to "top up" scholarships and assist with cost of living.

Other aspects of student life at CCIA

CCIA Student Association

The CCIA Student Association provides peer support via it's Buddy System as well as various activities it holds throughout the year, including our annual Student Retreat.

Seminar series

Presenting your research findings in a clear and concise manner and being able to critically appraise the findings of others are key skills to be developed during your time as a student. CCIA provides a wide range of opportunities for students to hone their skills, including a fortnightly seminar program during which international, national and CCIA scientists are invited to present their latest research findings. There are weekly presentations by students, postdoctoral and senior staff at research meetings attended by all research staff to provide feedback on work in progress, as well as individual programs and groups that meet on a regular basis to discuss results and exchange ideas. All students present to an Institute-wide forum (attended by hospital and university staff) once a year. In addition, the CCIA Postdoc Association holds monthly Journal Club meetings on Friday afternoons, providing refreshments and open discussion about current research papers of interest.

Student lunch series

A quarterly lunchtime series with the aim of providing a relaxed forum for students to gain career development advice from visiting speakers, CCIA postdocs and senior staff.

Workshops

Skill-building workshops are organised by our Research Careers and Strategy Team each year as requested by the student body, to supplement the vast array of skill development courses run at the University of NSW in which our students are encouraged to participate. 

Social functions

At CCIA, we have an active Social Club whose members organise activities throughout the year for all staff, including staff drinks at the end of each month, barbecues, Melbourne Cup celebrations with "best hat" competition and, the highlight of the CCIA staff social calendar, our fancy dress Christmas Party.

Student testimonials

What's it like to be a student at CCIA?  Find out from students past and present.

CCIA welcomes enquiries from prospective students interested in:

• Summer student program
• Independent learning projects (ILP students)
• Honours projects
• PhD and MD projects

 
Would you like to become a student at CCIA? Click here to find out how. Alternatively, contact Careers and Strategy Officer Dr Amanda Philp on (02) 9385 1709 or email education@ccia.unsw.edu.au