Developing Our Research
Our research focuses on saving and improving lives for people with GI cancers. We have a rich history of conducting practice-changing clinical trials and cutting-edge translational research. Our research accomplishments and track record in publishing clinical trial research results and scientific outputs can be viewed here.
As a research group, our value and point of difference is multifaceted:
- We are multidisciplinary and encourage diversity;
- Our research is independent and clinician-led;
- Community members with a lived GI cancer experience help inform our priorities and activities;
- Our research focuses on patient needs in Australia and New Zealand;
- Translational and Quality of Life research is incorporate alongside and within clinical research; and
- We facilitate national and international multicentre research.
Nine research priorities currently drive our efforts to accelerate the pace of discovery and connect researchers working across institutions and disciplines. The challenges of treating GI cancers are vast so we are required to make pragmatic decisions, often weighing up the level of need with the feasibility to undertake certain research. Over time we have refined robust and transparent processes for idea generation and for translating ideas into concepts and ultimately into viable research studies, to provide our committees and members with confidence in our research portfolio.
Our current research focus is in treatment and translation, however research in prevention and screening, diagnosis and survivorship, are all identified as areas of growth and potential collaboration. Over the last thirty years, our research has focused on phase II and III trials, however with the development of a new research strategy, we are now also working to establish a phase I trial coordination model for investigator-led research.
Our research is funded from a diverse range of sources including Government grants and pharmaceutical industry support, and increasingly through philanthropy and community fundraising.
We partner with industry and collaborative organisations to further develop our research. Learn how you can develop research with us
Research development and prioritisation framework
Our research development and prioritisation framework provides a streamlined, collaborative process that reviews and refines research concepts based on scientific merit, feasibility, alignment with AGITG strategy, likelihood of funding, and organisational and financial risk:
Learn more about the committees involved in this process:
- Upper and Lower GI Working Parties
- Translational Research Committee
- Community Advisory Panel
- Research Operations Committee
- Scientific Advisory Committee
Opportunities for research development and collaboration
We encourage investigators to bring research concepts forward through the various avenues and opportunities offered by the AGITG. Concepts that address the research priorities are particularly encouraged, however all concepts addressing clinical questions in GI cancer are considered.
- Concepts can be submitted to our Working Parties throughout the year
- New Concepts Symposium at the Annual Scientific Meeting where novel concepts are presented for feedback
- Idea Generation Workshops where ideas are submitted and developed into research concepts for areas of unmet need
- Translational Research Model enables the development of translational research in collaboration with basic scientists, preclinical and industry partners
- Endorsed Study Model supports trials sponsored by another institution, aiming to develop data to support large-scale AGITG-led studies
We also offer a number of awards and grants every year for research concepts that have the potential to make an impact in the area of gastro-intestinal cancer research. Learn more about these funding opportunities.
Quick links:
Submit an idea to a Working Party
Incorporating health economic components into your concept