The Russell Conley Anal Cancer Grant
A one-off Anal Cancer Grant in memory of Russell Conley was announced in early 2025. Russell was our Chief Executive Officer for 22 years, until he passed away in November 2024 from anal and rectal cancer. Russell openly shared his personal journey with the GI cancer community in a fundraising appeal to raise funds for new anal cancer research, and we are pleased to now be awarding some of these funds.
Grant recipient
The Russell Conley Anal Cancer Grant was awarded to Dr Thomas Hansen for his project Molecular Risk Stratification in HPV-associated Anal Cancer: Translating Genomic Insights into Personalised Care. Thank you to Russell’s sister Chris Conley for presenting the award to Dr Hansen at the Annual Scientific Meeting Gala Dinner on 26 November 2025.
Read more about Dr Hansen’s project
Grant information
Up to $50,000 will be awarded to a research project that drives new knowledge in anal cancer and/or raises awareness of the disease.
The applications will be judged by a Selection Committee comprising relevant GI Cancer Trials committee Chairs and Deputy Chairs.
Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Scientific merit (40%), including:
- Project has a well-defined, coherent design and research methodologies appropriate to the research question.
- Project is informed by a thorough review of existing and ongoing studies in the field.
- Project is supported by justified hypotheses and rationale.
- Feasibility (30%), including:
- Commencement within six months of receiving the Grant.
- Completion within the timeframe specified in the application.
- Alignment (30%), including:
- Alignment with grant objective to drive new anal cancer research and/or raise awareness of the disease.
Please note: This grant is an exclusive opportunity for GI Cancer Trials Members. Becoming a GI Cancer Trials member is free – join today and take advantage of members’ only benefits.
About Russell Conley
In November 2024, Russell Conley passed away following a two year journey with anal and rectal cancer. His loss has been felt deeply across the GI cancer community and by all the friends and connections he made during his 20+ years at GI Cancer Trials.
Whether it was with researchers, industry colleagues or patient advocates, Russell’s passion and energy left a lasting impression with all and helped him build the organisation to the strengths it sees today.
Over 70 research studies were conducted during Russell’s 22 years at the helm of GI Cancer Trials. These trials directly benefited more than 8,000 people with GI cancer. But the impact of these trials was felt by far more – many of these trials were significant practice-changing trials that changed how people with GI cancer are now treated for the better.
Always putting the patient first, Russell was crucial in the establishment of the Community Advisory Panel and ensured that the Committee’s contribution was valued by researchers. He also supported the launch of the Engage community event program to provide better education and support for patients and their families.
When Russell joined GI Cancer Trials back in 2002, there were less than 200 members. During his tenure, the membership flourished, welcoming new disciplines and becoming increasingly multi-disciplinary. There are now more than 1,800 members involved in the Group.
One of Russell’s key strengths was developing relationships. He grew partnerships with many local patient advocacy organisations and with the 13 other Australian collaborative trials groups. Russell expanded the Group’s connections outside of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, into the US, UK, Europe and Asia, resulting in our trials now being conducted at over 285 sites globally.
Russell willingly took on every opportunity to progress GI cancer research. He volunteered extensive time to attend and speak at community events, and more recently, played an active role in advocating for Australians with rare cancers. Russell openly shared his personal cancer journey to not only help others, but to help raise vital funds for new research. He even climbed mountains, taking on the Mt Kosciuszko Gutsy Challenge.
Russell dedicated his life to improving outcomes for people with GI cancer and he has left an indelible mark on this organisation and its mission.
His memory now inspires and drives us forward, helping keep the patient forever at the heart of our purpose and reinforcing why our work to advance GI cancer research must continue.
