FHMRI Cancer, Flinders University

A cancer-free future is a bold vision, but we truly believe it’s possible if we work together.

We’ve all known and loved people with cancer. We’ve seen them go through treatments—treatments we want to make better. We’ve dealt with loss—loss we dearly want to avoid. We’ve seen the challenges of readjusting to life after cancer—challenges we want to make easier.

At Flinders, we’re looking to create more effective treatments, achieve earlier detection and intervention, and prevent cancer from developing in the first place. We also want to help people who have had cancer to get back on their feet physically, mentally and financially.

FHMRI Cancer brings together research labs, clinical trials and treatment in one flagship facility. We forge connections between more than 150 cancer-focused researchers and clinicians, as well as our patients. We have a shared focus on innovation—on finding new and creative solutions that can make an impact on people’s lives. We do it by working collaboratively, drawing on the diverse expertise and experiences of our people.

Research groups

Our research groups conduct world-class cancer research encompassing cutting-edge biology, clinical translation, clinical trials, public health, digital solutions, behavioural sciences and allied support.

Our partners include consumers, cancer advocates and NGOs. We are thankful for support from philanthropy, industry and government.

Explore our research groups

Research impact

How cancer changed everything

"I was in a very dark and confused place, but then I found myself in a room with survivors for the first time. I walked out of there not feeling so isolated," says cancer survivor, Monique Bareham.

Read the full story

Cancer survivorship and supportive care research

Digital health cancer care roadmap

A strategic framework for the implementation of digital health in cancer care in Australia. "We don't just treat cancer, we care for the individual and their loved ones to help build strength and maintain hope throughout the cancer journey," says Professor Bodga Koczwara.

Download the Roadmap

Bowel cancer prevention

Research has shown that at-home bowel cancer screening kits can reduce deaths from bowel cancer by 15-25%. The test is extremely simple but only about 41% of people use them and send them back. Our researchers are working to increase participation in bowel cancer screening. Research lead, Associate Professor Erin Symonds.

Read the full story

Study with us

Become a Flinders cancer researcher.

Whatever your background knowledge, there will be a research training position for you in one of our multidisciplinary cancer research teams. From clinical science, nursing, medical science, psychology and public health, to social science, chemistry, biotechnology, pharmacology and more, there is a project for you.

You will be supervised by leaders in their field and work with researchers and clinicians from other disciplines in a truly collaborative, real-world health and medical environment.

Cancer research projects available

Cancer research pathways for clinicians

Higher degrees by research

Leadership

Associate Professor Michael Michael

FHMRI Cancer Program Lead

Michael Michael is the Cancer Research Program Lead in the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute. He is also a Hospital Medical Scientist who leads the Gene Expression Laboratory at Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer. After helping to establish one of Australia’s first biotechnology companies, Michael moved to Flinders, in 1998, in the pursuit of biomarkers for colorectal cancer. He pioneered global profiling of microRNAs to identify associations with disease, particularly solid tumours. His interests have broadened to investigate the involvement of epigenetics and non-coding RNAs in various aspects of human development, metabolism and disease. However, the focus of his lab is still to deliver diagnostic tests that will inform clinical decision-making and to identify drug targets for novel therapeutics. Michael contributes to community and regulatory bodies, including the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee of the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, Epigenetics Consortium of SA, Cancer Council SA’s Beat Cancer Program and the South Australian Genomics Centre.

Our researchers

Research group leaders

Twitter

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Contact us

Research

Our researchers are located across Flinders campuses, but our hub is the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer building—which brings together lab-based research, clinical trials and patient services. We welcome all queries about our research, clinical trials, collaboration and postgraduate opportunities through Flinders University.

cancer@flinders.edu.au

Support us

You can share in our vision. Join us in creating a cancer-free future by getting involved in FHMRI's research programs and clinical trials.

Learn more about FHMRI consumer engagement

We acknowledge Flinders Foundation for supporting cancer research at Flinders University.

Patients

All patient services are delivered by the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.

Call to make an appointment with the Flinders Cancer Clinic:

08 8404 2151 and select option 5
8.30 am - 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday

Location

Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer building
Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Drive
Bedford Park SA 5042

Free parking is available in car park 12 (next to the Flinders University sports field) on weekends and after 6pm on weekdays.

Public parking is available in the Wilson's multi-storey car park.