Collaborative fellowship targets critical gap in Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and childhood cancer

11 September, 2025

Children’s Cancer CoLab and Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision have launched a new fellowship, investing up to $250,000 to support a clinician-researcher working at the intersection of Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and paediatric oncology.

The Children’s Cancer CoLab and Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision Clinician-Researcher Fellowship addresses the critical talent shortage in this specialised field, where genetic mutations affecting bone marrow can cause both Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and rare cancers in children.

The two non-profit organisations have partnered to co-invest in this fellowship to accelerate research aligned with their missions and improve outcomes for children and families affected by these devastating conditions.

In Australia, three children die every week from cancer, with one in five not surviving their diagnosis. Meanwhile, up to 160 people are diagnosed with a Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome every year. Distressingly, most of them are children and young adults and 50% will not survive.

The initiative emerges from a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations, reflecting their shared recognition that breakthroughs often happen when unexpected connections are made between related conditions.

Children’s Cancer CoLab CEO, Dr Udani Reets, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to driving meaningful change for those impacted by these rare life-threatening illnesses.

“By combining our expertise and resources, we can accelerate research progress and offer renewed hope to young patients and families affected by Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and cancer,” explained Dr Reets.

CEO of Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, Amy Coote, said this fellowship would address a critical research gap.

“Supporting emerging clinician-researchers at the crucial intersection of Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and paediatric oncology means investing in future leaders who will deliver the breakthroughs needed to improve outcomes and create brighter futures for young patients and their families,” Amy Coote added.

The fellowship provides clinicians with foundational support, mentorship, and protected time to develop research capabilities and establish themselves as leaders. A special Scientific Advisory Committee from both organisations designed the program and will assess applications to ensure meaningful impact in this interdisciplinary field.

Applications are now open for this unique opportunity to support the next generation of clinician-researchers working to transform outcomes for children and families affected by Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and childhood cancer.

For more information and to apply for this fellowship, go to the Children’s Cancer CoLab Funding Opportunities webpage. Applications close 17 October 2025.