Melanoma Institute Australia

24/12/2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to thank you for being part of a truly historic year – a year that will change the lives of patients and families for generations to come.

Your support has helped achieve what many thought impossible.

The NADINA clinical trial, developed by Professor Georgina Long together with our colleagues in the Netherlands, led by Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) researchers across eight melanoma treatment centres in Australia, has revolutionised melanoma treatment. This landmark phase 3 trial proved definitively that pre-surgery combination immunotherapy saves lives - establishing a new global standard of care and marking one of the most significant breakthroughs in modern cancer treatment.

The impact was immediate. In August, Australia became the first country in the world to subsidise this life-saving treatment for Stage III melanoma patients through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) – transforming hope into accessible treatment reality for thousands of Australians.

We're not stopping there. Our researchers are already advancing the science, investigating new combinations of neoadjuvant immunotherapy to deliver even safer, more effective outcomes and improved progression-free survival rates.

Beyond life-saving clinical trials and the laboratory, we're transforming care across the nation. Two federally funded national programs are now underway: the National Melanoma Nurses Program is bringing specialised care to patients nationwide, while MIA leads development of the world's first Targeted Skin Cancer Screening Program - a roadmap that will change how we detect primary melanoma.

Our expanding clinical education programs and our work with Cancer Council Australia to update clinical practice guidelines will ensure that today's discoveries reach patients tomorrow.

This extraordinary progress exists because of you. Your support powers the research and enables the care that brings us closer to our mission of zero deaths from melanoma.

We remain inspired every day by our patients and their families, their courage, resilience, and hope fuel everything we do.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful festive season.

- Prof Georgina Long AO, MIA Medical Director and Prof Angela Hong, MIA Deputy Medical Director.

22/12/2025

Ashleigh Stewart is a Senior Research Coordinator at Melanoma Institute Australia, based at Macquarie University. Read her profile to learn about her fascinating work in the liquid biopsy space, plus why working in the melanoma field is particularly important to her > https://bit.ly/3YEDr7E

Ashleigh Stewart is a Senior Research Coordinator at Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA), based at Macquarie University. Read on to learn about her fascinating work in the liquid biopsy space, plus why working in the melanoma field is particularly important to her. Tell us about your latest work. My....

22/12/2025

The countdown to our 15th Melanoma March 2026 begins!

In March 2026, we are proudly celebrating 15 years of Melanoma March.

Melanoma March began as a community fundraising event in 2012 when Manly local, James Economides, wanted to raise awareness and research funds in honour of his son, Michael, who passed away from melanoma in 2008 at the age of 20. Today, Melanoma March is MIA’s major annual fundraising campaign, fueling critical research and the development of breakthrough new treatments as we work towards zero deaths from melanoma.

With a nod to 15 years, in March 2026 there will be 15 family-friendly Melanoma March walking events held across Australia, bringing together families and communities to help save lives from melanoma. Acknowledging the original Melanoma March location, our flagship Sydney event will return to Manly. If there isn’t an event near you, you can still be part of Melanoma March by signing up to do a 'March Your Way' activity of your choice.

Don’t miss our special 15th anniversary launch offer: Registrations for Melanoma March 2026 will open on Thursday 15 January at 10:15am. Register between 15 - 31 January and receive 50% off. Mark your calendar!

Follow the countdown at https://bit.ly/4pq9ZO1

18/12/2025

Hybrid GP Education Breakfast: A Deep Dive into Diagnosing Acral and Nodular Melanoma.

Melanoma Institute Australia is hosting a hybrid educational symposium designed for Skin Cancer Doctors and experienced General Practitioners who want to strengthen their dermoscopy skills and build greater confidence in diagnosing acral and nodular melanoma - aggressive subtypes that often challenge even seasoned clinicians.

Held in partnership with St Vincent's Private Hospital Sydney, this engaging hybrid educational symposium will deliver practical, evidence-based insights to improve accuracy in diagnosis and patient care. It will feature expert presentations and interactive panel sessions exploring the dermoscopic structures essential for identifying these challenging melanoma types. Those attending in person will have the opportunity to take part in small-group case study discussions and a networking breakfast.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Saturday 21 February 2026
Times: In-Person (8:30AM–1:00PM AEDT) & Online (9:00AM–11:00AM AEDT).
Locations:
- The Poche Centre, Wollstonecraft
- St Vincent's Private Hospital Sydney
- Notre Dame University Wagga
- Online
Cost: Free

For the agenda, CPD information and to register, visit > https://bit.ly/4pJCgQl

Join MIA's hybrid educational symposium for Skin Cancer Doctors and experienced General Practitioners who want to strengthen their dermoscopy skills.

18/12/2025

We're !

MIA is seeking a Senior Clinical Research Associate (SCRA) to join our expanding investigator-initiated trials team. The role will lead the site-specific monitoring activities across the entire clinical trial lifecycle for a global phase III trial – including both national and international site set-up, engagement and management.

Full time position based in Wollstonecraft.

Applications close 14 January 2026.

For more information or to apply, visit > https://bit.ly/4qg4SRd

Full time, Wollstonecraft (Sydney) Melanoma Institute Australia is seeking a Senior Clinical Research Associate (SCRA) to join our expanding investigator-initiated trials (IIT) team, whose studies are sponsored by Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA). This role offers opportunity to be involved in a d...

17/12/2025

A massive congratulations to St John's College, Woodlawn – the winners of our 2025 SunSafe Competition!

After participating in our Ballina SunSafe workshop earlier this year, students Edie, Eva and Allia put together an incredible submission that demonstrated the massive changes they were making in their school to make it more sun safe.

Here are just some of their innovative initiatives:
- Conducted a shade audit of their school grounds
- Redesigned their school hat to make it more desirable to wear, and designed school sunglasses and a rashie
- Put together a proposal to the Executive and P&F Committee to have shade put over their pool
- Raised awareness through social media posts and several school presentations
- Organised their local news crew to report on the incredible achievements they have made in the school!

We would also like to congratulate our runners up: Coorparoo Secondary College in Brisbane, and Temora High School in the Riverina.

Well done to all schools who participated in SunSafe and were empowered to be the champions for change in their schools!

16/12/2025

Meet Leon Burgess, a Biobank Technical Officer at Melanoma Institute Australia. Read his answers to our questions, including the role he plays in melanoma research, what he loves about his work, his favourite quote and more > https://bit.ly/4oWRMaw

Leon Burgess is a Biobank Technical Officer at Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA). Read his answers to 'Research Life' below where he dives into career highlights, what he loves about his work, his favourite quote and more. Tell us about your latest work. As the Biobank Technical Officer, my primary...

11/12/2025

In our latest Melanoma Insights for Professionals podcast episode, 'After the diagnosis: Getting follow-up care right in melanoma', A/Prof Robyn Saw speaks with Dr Mary-Ann El Sharouni and Claire Gore to discuss the essential role of follow-up care in melanoma management. Through a multidisciplinary lens, our experts discuss why follow-up schedules vary, stage-specific approaches for all stages of melanoma, the role of dermatological surveillance and supporting psychological wellbeing.

Clinicians can listen now by searching “Melanoma insights” on your favourite podcast app or listen through the Melanoma Education Portal (free log in required for access) > https://bit.ly/3XQaB46

10/12/2025

Recording of our MIA 'Specialists' Symposium: Neoadjuvant Treatment in 2025' is now available!

This symposium was designed to support multidisciplinary clinicians navigate the evolving treatment landscape. It includes case-based insights into patient and neoadjuvant treatment selection, multidisciplinary coordination, and details of upcoming research efforts to improve patient outcomes.

Clinicians can watch via the Melanoma Education Portal (free log in required) > https://bit.ly/4a7DVdz

10/12/2025

MIA & RPAH opportunity!

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) and Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) are seeking applications for a one-year Fellowship in Melanoma Pathology commencing 1 April 2026 (with a flexible start date). The position is based at the RPAH but also involves work at MIA Poche Centre and The University of Sydney.

This Fellowship is suitable for qualified pathologists/final year anatomical pathology trainees. The position will provide a unique opportunity for the right individual to:
✅ Enhance their clinical diagnostic skills in pigmented lesion pathology and dermatopathology
✅ Obtain additional experience/training in surgical/molecular pathology and research
✅ Gain experience in interpretation of difficult consultation cases
✅ Participate in the MIA translational melanoma research program
✅ Enhance knowledge of the treatment and care of melanoma patients.

For more information on this fellowship and to apply, visit the link > https://bit.ly/4pADSvU

Applications close COB Friday 23 January 2026.


Sydney Health | Sydney Local Health District

Contract, Camperdown (Sydney) Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) and Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) are seeking applications for a one-year Fellowship commencing 1 April 2026 (with a flexible start date). The position is based at the RPAH but also involves work at MIA Poche Centre and The Unive...

09/12/2025

We're very pleased and proud to announce that three Associate Professors from our Melanoma Institute Australia faculty have been promoted to Professor by The University of Sydney, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to melanoma research.

Congratulations Professor Alex Menzies, Professor Sydney Ch'ng and Professor Serigne Lo!



Sydney Health

05/12/2025

The Naked Scientists podcast covers the biggest scientific breakthroughs and interviews with leading movers and shakers in science, technology and medicine. It’s created for everyone with an interest science, for all ages from 13 to 90.

In the latest episode of the 'Titans of Science' series, Prof Georgina Long AO uncovers what led her to her groundbreaking work in the treatment of melanoma, how works, and what her current research and clinical efforts are focused on.

Listen to this insightful podcast via link below.

Taking the fight to melanoma...