Fiona Elsey was a Ballarat girl. She went to Ballarat High. She had friends, family, a life unfolding like any other young person.
At 13, she was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma. She was treated at the Royal Children’s Hospital by a young oncologist from Ballarat — Dr George Kannourakis. At that time, survival rates were low.
Despite treatment, Fiona’s cancer progressed. But Fiona was not passive in her illness. She was curious. She asked questions. She wanted to understand what was happening — and why.
She spoke often with George about research. About how cancer worked. About what might change outcomes in the future. Even at that age, she understood something important: That research is where the answers come from. Read Fiona’s story
At the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, our scientists are tackling some of the most aggressive cancers, right here in regional Australia.
Led by Professor George Kannourakis, our team is driven by one belief: that better treatments and better outcomes – are within reach.
With your support, we can go further — faster.
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Targeting the “queen bee” cancer stem cells driving triple-negative breast cancer.
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Developing new treatments to overcome chemotherapy resistance and improve survival.
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Reactivating the immune system to better detect and destroy aggressive brain tumours.
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Uncovering how bowel cancer evades the immune system to unlock new therapies.
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Investigating how kidney cancers adapt and resist treatment to develop smarter therapies.
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Exploring new treatment strategies to overcome resistance in prostate cancer.
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Identifying the signals that drive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia progression to develop targeted, antibody-based therapies.
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Using advanced proteomics to detect early changes and improve diagnosis and treatment of myeloma.
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Uncovering the biological triggers behind Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis to guide future treatments.
Learn moreNews, discoveries, and updates from the Inistiute.
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain tumor resulting in low overall patient survival rates. This review highlights the role of three key cancer-related pathways in glioblastoma, cancer progression, and their mechanistic link. Better understanding these links may result in improved treatment targets or disease progression biomarkers. Read More
The Lady Primrose Potter Cancer Research Education Centre has officially opened at the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, creating a space where the Ballarat community can step inside the world of cancer research.
Designed for students, families and curious minds, the Centre brings science to life through real stories from FECRI scientists and engaging, easy-to-understand exhibits. Read More
The Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute has launched a state-of-the-art mass spectrometer, an instrument that will transform what our scientists can see and measure at a molecular level.
With the ability to detect incredibly subtle changes in cancer biology, this technology will accelerate discovery and bring clearer answers, faster. Read More
This year, the Jimmys Licorice Allsorts team, alongside a wonderfully supportive community, rallied together to raise an incredible $57,080.82 for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. This annual relay event unites passionate participants and generous donors from across the region, channeling collective community spirit into a shared mission. The dedication of teams like Jimmys Licorice Allsorts provides the essential support to fund our vital research that brings hope to those facing cancer. View their page here.
Support our research with a direct bank transfer
Every contribution brings us closer to better outcomes for cancer patients. If you’d prefer to donate directly, our banking details are below.
Please use your name as the payment reference so we can acknowledge your gift. For tax receipts or enquiries, contact us at admin@fecri.org.au
