AMRF celebrates the next generation of melanoma researchers

AMSCA member The Australian Melanoma Research Foundation (AMRF) is proud to support the next generation of Australian melanoma researchers through its annual research awards.

In 2026, AMRF awarded four grants to researchers undertaking innovative projects aimed at improving melanoma detection, treatment and patient outcomes. These awards are made possible through the generosity of AMRF supporters.

Suzanah Boyd – Macquarie University

Maureen Ellen James Memorial Award

Suzanah Boyd is developing a highly sensitive blood test to identify signs of melanoma that remain in the body after surgery, before a recurrence becomes clinically apparent.

Her research will investigate circulating tumour DNA, DNA methylation patterns and protein biomarkers in the blood. By combining these molecular markers with established clinical information, the project aims to identify patients at greater risk of recurrence and support more personalised treatment and follow-up.

Dr Douglas Gaskarth – Monash University

Early Career Researcher Award

Dr Douglas Gaskarth is investigating why biological males with melanoma can experience poorer responses and survival outcomes from targeted therapies than females.

His research will examine the role of the androgen receptor, which is activated by male sex hormones such as testosterone, in resistance to MAPK inhibitors. By studying cancer cells, immune cells and the tumour environment, the project aims to identify mechanisms driving treatment resistance and uncover potential new therapeutic targets.

Laura Smith – Melanoma Institute Australia

Post Graduate Scholar Award

Laura Smith is investigating why some people with stage III melanoma respond to immunotherapy while others do not.

Her research focuses on DNA methylation, an epigenetic process that influences how genes are switched on and off. By examining tumour samples before and after neoadjuvant immunotherapy, the project aims to identify molecular signatures associated with treatment response and resistance.

The findings could help researchers better understand how melanoma evades the immune system and contribute to more personalised treatment approaches.

Rachael Stone – Adelaide University

John Walter Holland Memorial Award

Rachael Stone is investigating how immune cells are able to move from the bloodstream into melanoma tumours and how this may influence a person's response to immunotherapy.

Her project focuses on cytotoxic CD8 T cells and a molecule called CD15s, which may help these cancer-fighting cells enter tumours. The research will also explore how dendritic cells and the gut microbiome influence CD15s expression.

By better understanding these mechanisms, the research could help identify new ways to improve responses to immunotherapy and increase the number of patients who benefit from these treatments.

AMRF is committed to supporting promising Australian researchers and giving them the opportunity to pursue innovative ideas that could lead to better outcomes for people affected by melanoma.

We congratulate Suzanah, Douglas, Laura and Rachael on their 2026 awards and look forward to following the progress of their research.

Our thanks to the AMRF community and supporters whose generosity makes this investment in Australian Melanoma research possible.