As GI Cancer Trials enters a new chapter, we acknowledge and thank our outgoing Chair, Lorraine Chantrill, for her exceptional leadership and contribution over the past six years.
During her tenure, Lorraine has guided the organisation through a period of significant growth and transformation. Under her leadership, GI Cancer Trials has strengthened its foundations, expanded its impact, and evolved to meet the changing needs of the research and clinical landscape.
Reflecting on her time as Chair, Lorraine highlighted the collective effort behind the organisation’s progress and the importance of its collaborative model.
“It has truly been an honour to lead our collaborative group and to work alongside such a dedicated and passionate community,” says Lorraine.
Among the many achievements during this period, Lorraine oversaw a number of key initiatives that have shaped the organisation today. These include:
- Growing and diversifying membership, with increased involvement from translational scientists, nurses and study coordinators, and stronger engagement across craft groups,
- Introducing tenure requirements for the Board and research committees, supporting broader participation and renewal across the membership,
- Strengthening governance by clearly separating organisational and scientific leadership, including the appointment of Professor Chris Karapetis as Research Executive Committee Chair,
- Establishing an in-house trial coordination facility to support the delivery of high-quality, investigator-led research,
- Enhancing transparency in development and funding processes, reinforcing accountability for stakeholders,
- Advancing equity and diversity across both our research and organisation, including increased participation of women and early career researchers across committees,
- Leading the organisation through a period of transition, including supporting former CEO Russell Conley during his cancer journey and medical retirement,
- Unifying the organisation under a single identity through the transition to GI Cancer Trials, and
- Building a robust and sustainable fundraising and philanthropy program to support research growth.
Throughout this time, GI Cancer Trials has continued to deliver impactful research, with findings that have contributed to changes in clinical practice across multiple GI cancers.
“I am proud of the work we do together, and it is vital that we continue our independent, investigator-led research to improve outcomes for people with GI cancer,” says Lorraine.
As we continue to grow in scale and complexity, Lorraine has helped ensure that we are aptly positioned for the future in supporting the transition to a new leadership model and the appointment of incoming Chair Geoff Parnell.
We extend our sincere thanks to Lorraine for her leadership and lasting impact on GI Cancer Trials. Her contribution has helped shape a stronger, more connected organisation, well positioned to continue improving outcomes for people affected by GI cancer.