Cancer is more than a disease. It is a global challenge that tests the limits of science, compassion, and human resilience. At the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI), we are committed to overcoming these challenges and discovering solutions that transform the lives of cancer patients.
This World Cancer Day, we proudly spotlight two inspiring researchers, Chloe Jackson and Chamikara Liyanage, whose remarkable journeys exemplify hope, resilience and innovation.
Chloe Jackson: Finding Fulfilment in Cancer Research
For Chloe Jackson, the journey into a cancer research career began with a deep curiosity and a love of problem-solving. Drawn to medical science during her university years, she was fascinated by the incredible diversity and complexity of the human body. However, her early roles in healthcare after graduation left her searching for something more meaningful.
“I love solving difficult problems and learning new things,” Chloe explains. “But the roles I had didn’t challenge me intellectually or allow me to grow. I felt stagnant and struggled with the feeling that my work wasn’t truly making an impact.”
This realisation led Chloe to pursue medical research, where she found her true calling. “One of the great things about medical research is its dynamic nature,” she says. “We’re constantly uncovering new insights that force us to grow, adapt, and rethink how we approach challenges.”
Now in the third year of her PhD at ONJCRI, Chloe is thriving in a role that challenges her curiosity while driving meaningful impact. “I haven’t looked back since starting my PhD,” she shares. “It’s rewarding to know that my work has the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Chloe’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of aligning one’s career with personal passion. Her work embodies the values of inquisitiveness, compassion, and purpose that define ONJCRI’s mission.
Dr Chamikara Liyanage: Turning Passion into Purpose
For Dr Chamikara Liyanage, cancer research is not just a career – it’s deeply personal. Captivated by biology and the intricate workings of the human body from an early age, his journey took a profound turn during his honour’s studies when he faced unimaginable challenges.
In the same year, Chamikara’s father passed away from leukemia, and his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. These experiences shaped his resilience, deepened his appreciation for the preciousness of life, and ignited his determination to make a meaningful impact though science.
“I’ve always loved studying biology, but these personal challenges solidified my aspiration to pursue cancer research,” Chamikara reflects. “It’s my way of merging a lifelong passion with the hope of creating meaningful change for people affected by cancer.”
Now an early career researcher at ONJCRI, Chamikara thrives in the ever-evolving world of cancer research. “Every answer leads to new questions,” he explains. “This process of discovery keeps research fascinating and often results in innovations with far-reaching impact.”
Chamikara’s work focuses on breast cancer, where he employs advanced genomic sequencing and imaging techniques to investigate how cancers develop and progress at the single-cell level. Additionally, he is trialling innovative treatment combinations aimed at enhancing the immune system’s ability to identify and destroy cancer cells.
“The most rewarding part of my work is collaborating with the brilliant, creative, and thoughtful scientists and clinicians at ONJCRI,” Chamikara says. “The synergy of ideas and collective effort to combine our strengths allows us to tackle cancer from every possible angle.”
Lighting the Way for Future Innovators
The stories of Chloe and Chamikara remind us that cancer research is more than a scientific endeavour — it’s about transforming lives, offering hope, and empowering communities. Their dedication and passion reflects ONJCRI’s mission to push the boundaries of innovation and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
As we commemorate World Cancer Day 2025, let’s celebrate the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to solving one of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
Join the Mission
Be part of this transformative journey! By supporting the next generation of researchers, you are investing in a brighter, cancer-free future. Together, we can redefine what’s possible.