Cancer leadership team named

A medicinal chemist, a cancer pharmacologist and a medical oncologist have taken on leadership roles in the new Department of Cancer Sciences at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

Associate Professor Julie Spicer will serve as Associate Head Research, Associate Professor Stephen Jamieson as Associate Head Academic, and Dr Laird Cameron as Associate Head Clinical.

The new roles follow the creation of the Department of Cancer Sciences earlier this year, integrating the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre (ACSRC), the Department of Oncology, Cancer Trials New Zealand and Te Aka Mātauranga Matepukupuku Centre for Cancer Research.

The trio brings expertise spanning cancer research, education and clinical practice at a pivotal stage in the department's development.

For Spicer, a medicinal chemist and former director of the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, the merger enables scientists from different disciplines to tackle some of cancer's most pressing challenges.

"The ability to access a diverse range of expertise within the same department will bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to research projects."

Spicer will focus on strengthening relationships across the new department and supporting researchers to develop shared programmes of work.

"In the long term, we have an opportunity to contribute to the foundations of New Zealand's first comprehensive cancer centre that will transform the care we can bring to patients."

Jamieson, a cancer pharmacologist whose research focuses on anticancer drug discovery and therapeutic biomarkers, will lead the academic portfolio, including cancer-related teaching and postgraduate supervision.

He says the department's integrated approach will create valuable opportunities for learning and knowledge-sharing.

"Stronger connections between researchers, clinicians and students will not only help ensure our research findings are translated into better patient care but will also help researchers and students better understand the clinical challenges facing people affected by cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand," he says.

Jamieson plans to review cancer-related teaching across the University and identify ways to build a more coordinated curriculum.

"I hope the department will have a transformational impact by supporting world-class teaching and training, while helping address the clinical challenges faced by cancer patients in New Zealand."

Cameron, a thoracic medical oncologist and clinician-scientist at Te Pūriri o Te Ora Auckland Hospital, says a key priority will be embedding the patient's perspective across the department's work.

"By sharing the purpose and passion to improve the lives of patients with cancer, there is an automatic common ground that unites every member of the department," he says.

"Current and future connections will turn ideas into discoveries, and discoveries into impact."

The greatest advances happen when expertise is shared across disciplines, he says.

"True translational research relies on the free flow of knowledge between clinical and academic settings. Opening those connections improves both the research and the care we provide."