The Kids’ Cancer Project and Children’s Cancer Institute are pleased to announce the launch of the Josh McCarroll PhD Excellence Award – a newly-developed PhD Top Up Scholarship which will be awarded to an outstanding student to further excel research into childhood cancer across Australia.
The tax-free award, which has been developed in collaboration by both childhood cancer research charity organisations, will be offered up to a value of $10,000 AUD per annum for up to three years and will be presented to PhD students who are currently enrolled in a PhD program at Children’s Cancer Institute and have demonstrated exceptionally high potential.
Scholarship applicants will be selected through a staged review process coordinated by Children’s Cancer Institute and The Kids’ Cancer Project. Following an internal Expression of Interest (EOI) process and shortlisting, selected applicants were invited to submit a full application for review by The Kids’ Cancer Project’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC), which will determine the final outcome.
The Kids’ Cancer Project and Children’s Cancer Institute are proud of the naming of the award in honour of the late Associate Professor Josh McCarroll, who passed away in 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.
An esteemed researcher who contributed significantly to the field of cancer biology, nanomedicine and RNA therapeutics, Josh was known for his unwavering passion and collaborative spirit in inspiring the next generation, with The Kids’ Cancer Project having the privilege of supporting his research with Children’s Cancer Institute for many years.
This award honours that long-standing partnership and Josh’s lasting impact on the field, with Children’s Cancer Institute and The Kids’ Cancer Project partnering together to commemorate Josh’s lasting impact in childhood cancer research and his belief in fostering an exceptional, supportive environment for young researchers to thrive.
The award has been named with the oversight and endorsement of the McCarroll family, who are proud for Josh’s legacy to be commemorated in this way.
“The launch of the Josh McCarroll PhD Excellence Award is a poignant moment for The Kids' Cancer Project. Josh was a brilliant scientist, collaborator and a true champion of young scientists in childhood cancer. His passion for childhood cancer research left a lasting mark on those fortunate enough to have worked alongside him. Through this award, in partnership with Children's Cancer Institute, we are proud to ensure that his spirit lives on. We are grateful to the McCarroll family for entrusting us to honour Josh's legacy in this way, and we look forward to seeing the outstanding PhD students who carry his legacy and passion forward,” said Owen Finegan, CEO The Kids’ Cancer Project
“Josh was a remarkable scientist and a generous mentor who was deeply committed to changing the future for children with cancer. He championed young researchers and created an environment where they could thrive. Naming this award in his honour reflects not only his scientific excellence, but also his enduring belief in supporting others to achieve their best and he would be truly honoured by this recognition,” said Professor Maria Kavallaris AM, Children’s Cancer Institute.
“Josh carried enormous compassion into his work, shaped by his experience as a child with cancer. Even when cancer returned later in life, he remained dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families. As both a survivor and a scientist, he never lost sight of the human side of research, wanting every discovery to help more children survive and thrive. He was also a humble mentor who loved learning from his students and engaging in two‑way scientific discussions. Many said they felt truly seen and supported by him. He would be so proud of this honour. Supporting young researchers in his name reflects everything he believed in and everything he worked for,” said Professor Phoebe Phillips AM, Josh’s loving wife and member of UNSW Medicine and Health.
The Josh McCarroll PhD Excellence Award will be presented to the successful applicant in July by representatives from both charity organisations and the McCarroll family.
