Events and Education

Idea Generation Workshop

Fostering collaboration for vital new research

Launched in 2019, our annual Idea Generation Workshop is a platform for members, and those new to GI Cancer Trials, to discuss embryonic ideas for new GI cancer research.

The workshops help drive our research pipeline and provide a valuable platform for members to connect and develop new ideas using a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach.

In May 2025, we workshopped five new ideas for early phase study design. Ideas that progress past the Workshop are then developed further in the concept development groups, before being presented to the relevant Working Party.

Thank you to our Co-Convenors Dr Charlotte Lemech and Dr Abhijit Pal for hosting a highly engaging workshop.

Thank you to this year’s presenters:

Dr Claudia Leslie
Dr John Mak
Dr Jessie Nguyen (presented two ideas)
Dr Samuel Smith

Learn more about the 2025 Workshop

Preceptorship Program

Encouraging the next generation of research leaders

Our annual Preceptorship is a premier educational event for senior trainees and junior consultants, exploring historical, current, and emerging treatments for the management of GI cancer.

Preceptorships are essential to encourage and support the next generation of research leaders and a great first step towards an active role within the membership.

The 2025 Preceptorship in Colorectal Cancer brought together 29 early-career healthcare professionals and 11 experts across medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology and radiology. The program created a collaborative learning environment with a strong focus on evidence, practice and discussion.

This year’s preceptorship introduced a new format, with preceptees critically appraising multiple landmark papers on their assigned topics in the style of an expert plenary session discussant. Across the two-day program, more than 60 trials were presented covering the current evidence in colorectal cancer management.

“The MDT sessions were about interesting cases and tied together the evidence we had just discussed nicely.”

— attendee feedback

“I received very comprehensive feedback from my preceptor, it was a great learning exercise.”

— attendee feedback

A standout session was the presentation by Community Advisory Panel member Mark McConnell, who shared his lived experience with metastatic colorectal cancer. Mark’s inspiring talk offered invaluable insights into the emotional rollercoaster that is cancer survivorship and served as a powerful reminder of the role clinicians play in supporting patients through their journey.

Thank you to Co-Convenors Professor Jeanne Tie and Professor Chris Jackson, our Preceptors and Assistant Convenors, Professor Lorraine Chantrill, Associate Professor Cherry Koh, Dr Ben Lawrence, Dr Mark Lee, Dr Margaret Lee, Dr Katerina Mastrocostas, Dr Mark McConnell, Dr John Mak, Dr Derrick Siu, and all the Preceptees for taking part in another fantastic Preceptorship.

Thank you to Merck and Pierre Fabre for your sponsorship of this important educational event.

Learn more about the 2025 Preceptorship

Close-up of woman with dark hair smiling while engaged in a conversation with colleagues during a conference break.

A candid shot of conference attendees networking and laughing around a circular table during a breakout session.

Two presenters on stage in front of a screen, smiling during an introductory address.

A woman in a floral blazer holding a microphone and explaining a point during a panel discussion at a research event.

A female researcher presenting cancer survival data from a podium, with a bar chart projected on the screen behind her.

A man with grey hair gesturing with his hand while asking a question during a Q&A session at a conference.

27th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM)

A celebration of members and research

The 27th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), held in Tarntanya / Adelaide, was attended by 420 delegates from all oncology-focused disciplines, as well as community and industry.

27th Annual Scientific Meeting Recap

The meeting theme ‘Transforming Trials through Collaboration’ built upon the 2024 theme, ‘Thinking Outside the Box’, by highlighting the significance of collaborating for a greater global impact.

The program fostered greater collaboration across our already diverse membership, with a focus on partnerships across all areas of our research, including our growing engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to help improve clinical trial awareness and reduce barriers to join clinical trials.

Snapshot of the 27^th ASM:

420

delegates

abstracts published in the APJCO Abstract Book

best of oral abstracts presentations

abstracts presented in the surgical workshop + many rapid-fire discussions in poster walkaround sessions

new ideas presented in the New Concept Symposium

Annual awards

GI Cancer Trials offers many annual awards to recognise the outstanding efforts of members, and to award research concepts that have the potential for positive impact across GI cancer research.

John Zalcberg AO Award

For Excellence in GI Cancer Research
Professor Tim Price

Our flagship award was presented to Professor Tim Price in recognition of his significant commitment to GI Cancer Trials over two decades, beginning with his membership in 2001. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in advancing GI cancer research and shaping our organisation’s direction. There are not many roles he hasn’t held – he joined the Board in 2004 and served as Chair from 2013 to 2020, served as Chair of the SAC from 2004 to 2023, is a member of the International Development Committee and Lower GI Working Party, from 2008 to 2012 served as Convenor of the Annual Scientific Meeting and is now an AGITG Ambassador.

Tim’s research contributions have been truly remarkable. He has led landmark trials including ASCEND, Neo-POLEM, and the completed PETACC-6 study. He has been site Principal Investigator for an impressive portfolio of studies, including ASCOLT, INTEGRATE II and IIb, MONARCC, SPAR, DYNAMIC-III, RENO, SSGXXII, MODULATE, LIBERATE, and CONTROL NETS. His contributions also include key involvement in the CO-17, CO-20, MAX and ATTAX trials.

But his commitment extends beyond research. Tim personally participated in two Gutsy Challenges, demonstrating his dedication to fundraising and patient advocacy.

Tim’s 24 years of service embody the highest standards of scientific excellence, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing gastrointestinal cancer research and care.

Russell Conley Anal Cancer Grant

We were proud to announce Dr Thomas Hansen as the recipient of the Russell Conley Anal Cancer Grant. Dr Hansen’s research will investigate how subtle differences between human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes may affect both risk and treatment outcomes for people diagnosed with anal cancer.

The grant was established last year in memory of our long-serving Chief Executive Officer, Russell Conley, who passed away in 2024 following a diagnosis of anal cancer. This new research is funded by community donations received when Russell publicly shared his journey to raise funds for anal cancer research.

Thank you to Russell’s sister Chris Conley for presenting the award to Dr Hansen.

Awards for GI cancer research

Member Fundraiser of the Year
Associate Professor Andrew Dean in recognition of Chris Reichstein

Member Fundraiser of the Year
Catherine Trevaskis

Member Fundraiser of the Year
Brooklynn Dowling

Christine Aiken Memorial Award for Excellence in Study Coordination
Chia Chia Tan

Excellence in Site Performance Award - Metropolitan Category
Austin Health Clinical Trials GI Team, Victoria, accepted by Meg Donovan-Hayes and Professor Niall Tebbutt