A world-leading cancer research facility dedicated to bridging the current gap in immunotherapy for children will be officially opened by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia on Monday, 18 May 2026 at Children’s Cancer Institute.
The ACRF Spatial Immune-oncology Research (ASpIRe) Program, has been made possible by a $2 million grant from Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF). The program aims to adapt the lifesaving immunotherapy successes seen in adult cancers, for paediatric patients - who have yet to see the same level of progress and outcomes.
Cutting-edge tech for Australia’s youngest patients
The ASpIRe Program introduces spatial multiomics technologies to Australia - some for the first time. This technology allows scientists to see exactly how cancer cells interact with their environment, in high definition.
By mapping the Tumour Immune Microenvironment (TIME), researchers can identify how some cancers "hide" from the immune system and develop "rewired" treatments that are more effective and significantly less toxic than traditional chemotherapy.
A decade of data driven by philanthropy
This program is the third pillar in a long-term investment by ACRF in Children’s Cancer Institute, building on the existing Zero Childhood Cancer Program (ZERO) and the ACRF Child Cancer Liquid Biopsy Program. Together, these initiatives provide Australian researchers with access to the nation’s largest collection of linked multiomic and clinical data on close to 3,500 children and their cancers.
Kerry Strydom, CEO of ACRF, said, “The new ACRF funded ASpIRe Program is a powerful demonstration of how targeted philanthropic investment in world-class infrastructure can drive breakthrough science and benefit patients. We are so proud to support Children’s Cancer Institute as they translate cutting-edge technology into new hope for Australian children and their families.”
Media Contact: Nina Willoughby | nina@goodpr.com.au | 0427 400 961
About ACRF
At Australian Cancer Research Foundation, we know that only brilliant ideas can tackle something as big as cancer. That is why since 1984, we have given scientists the technology, equipment and infrastructure they need for pioneering research. From small vaccines to big machines our funding has supported some of the biggest outcomes in cancer research, across Australia. ACRF supporters have backed landmark projects such as the development of the world’s first cancer vaccine (for cervical cancer), the establishment of a precision medicine program working towards the goal of zero deaths from childhood cancer and the creation of the innovative MRI-Linac which will improve patient outcomes and reduce the trauma associated with radiation therapy. By funding research that seeks to progress and transform the way we prevent, detect and treat ALL cancers, we are committed to our vision of transforming outcomes for people diagnosed with cancer
For more information visit acrf.com.au
About Children’s Cancer Institute
Originally founded by two fathers of children with cancer in 1976, Children’s Cancer Institute is the only independent medical research institute in Australia wholly dedicated to research into the causes, prevention and cure of childhood cancer. More than 40 years on, our vision remains to save the lives of all children with cancer and improve their long-term health, through research. The Institute has grown to now employ over 350 researchers, operational staff and students, and has established a national and international reputation for scientific excellence. Our focus is on translational research, and we have an integrated team of laboratory researchers and clinician scientists who work together in partnership to discover new treatments which can be progressed from the lab bench to the beds of children on wards in hospitals as quickly as possible. By developing safer and more effective drugs and drug combinations, we aim to minimise side effects, giving children with cancer the best chance of cure with the highest possible quality of life. More at ccia.org.au.
About the Zero Childhood Cancer Program
The Zero Childhood Cancer Program (ZERO) is a world-leading precision medicine program for children with cancer. Led by Children’s Cancer Institute and the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, ZERO includes all nine of Australia’s children’s hospitals together with 22 national and international research partners. Providing in-depth genomic analysis for each child and their cancer, ZERO aims to improve survival, reduce side effects, and advance science’s understanding of childhood cancer for the benefit of all. ZERO is at the forefront of scientific and technological discovery, driving advances as quickly as possible from the research lab into the clinic. These advances are not only benefiting some children with cancer today but are leading to a whole new understanding of childhood cancer that stands to revolutionise the model of care for all children with cancer in the future. More at zerochildhoodcancer.org.au
