Professor Tim Price received the John Zalcberg AO Award for Excellence in GI Cancer Research in 2025 in recognition of his significant contribution to our research and leadership over more than two decades.
Tim’s involvement with GI Cancer Trials (formerly AGITG) began in 2000 at the Coolum Annual Scientific Meeting. Having just completed a Fellowship in the UK focused on GI cancer, he was impressed to find an established research group dedicated to GI cancer that was already actively promoting research with a number of projects underway.
That first meeting marked the start of what would become a long and impactful association with the group. By 2004, Tim had been voted onto the Board of Directors as a relatively junior member. “I had nominated not really expecting to be voted onto the board, but the support and the mentorship helped shape what has been a very important part of my career,” he says.
When asked about receiving the award, Tim reflects:
“This is an important award for the group recognising research over many years. There are many people who warrant this acknowledgment and to be chosen out of this group is a true honour.”
Among his various roles with GI Cancer Trials, serving as Chair of the group stands out. Taking over from Professor John Zalcberg AO, who had built the group from the ground up, was, in Tim’s words, both humbling and exciting.
He served as member and Chair of the SAC from 2004 to 2023, is a member of the International Development Committee and Lower GI Working Party, from 2008 to 2012 served as Convenor of the Annual Scientific Meeting and is now a GI Cancer Trials Ambassador.
Tim’s research contributions have been truly remarkable. He has led landmark trials including ASCEND, Neo-POLEM, and the completed PETACC-6 study. He has been site Principal Investigator for an impressive portfolio of studies, including ASCOLT, INTEGRATE IIa and IIb, MONARCC, SPAR, DYNAMIC-III, RENO, SSGXXII, MODULATE, LIBERATE, and CONTROL NETS. His contributions also include key involvement in the CO-17, CO-20, MAX and ATTAX trials.
But his commitment extends beyond research, he has personally participated in two Gutsy Challenges; Southern Alps Challenge in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia, demonstrating his dedication to fundraising and patient advocacy.
“I want to raise awareness of the need for better treatments and raise funds so that we can continue to conduct life-extending research,” explains Professor Price. “Gutsy Challenges gives me this opportunity, and I get to do it while enjoying the incredible scenery that Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia have to offer”.
Looking ahead, Tim sees immunotherapy as holding significant promise for GI cancer research. “The biggest challenge is understanding the mechanism to enhance IO sensitivity and develop the combinations that increase the impact of immunotherapy in GI cancers,” he says, pointing to trials like the upcoming BATTMAN study as an example of the group’s work in this area.
As for advice to early career researchers, Tim’s is straightforward:
“Get involved. Do it now. Don’t wait. Some feel the need to establish themselves and wait for opportunities, but the one thing I did do early was get involved – seeking out GI Cancer Trials studies, expressing interest in trial management, and nominating for the Board.”