Tour de Cure powering cancer breakthroughs
Tour de Cure has generously invested over $750,000 into cancer research at the University of Newcastle, supporting PhD students, early career researchers and leading scientists. This vital funding has fuelled innovative research tackling cancer from every angle – prevention, treatment and survivorship – and helped accelerate discoveries that change lives.
Alumna and postdoctoral researcher in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Dr Heather Murray, is one of our researchers bringing Tour de Cure’s mission to life – to cure cancer and change lives.
Dr Murray's research focuses on improving survival outcomes for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a devastating blood cancer that kills more than 1,000 Australians every year. A recent $100,000 grant from Tour de Cure is driving work on more effective precision therapies for AML patients.
Improving survival outcomes for blood cancer
AML is one of the most aggressive blood cancers, and fewer than 30% of people diagnosed with AML will survive for five years. A new drug has improved treatment for many patients with AML, but resistance often develops, leaving limited options.
Dr Murray’s team has identified a protein that appears to play a role in drug resistance. Blocking this protein can make resistant cancer cells sensitive to treatment once more. The next step is to test the safety and effectiveness of this approach. If successful, it could lead to new therapies for AML and other cancers, improving patient survival and other outcomes.
Tour de Cure’s investment in early-career researchers drives crucial cancer research forward and helps to shape the future of scientific discovery. But ultimately, it’s about people. Helping someone’s parent, sibling or friend is what motivates all of us to keep working towards a cure."
Dr Heather Murray
Lecturer and Postdoctoral Researcher, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
PhD, 2020; MPhil, 2015; BBiomedSc(Hons), 2012; BBiomedSc, 2011
Our partnership impact
- $753,525 invested in research at the University of Newcastle since 2017.
- 7 researchers supported in 2024, with $289,990 awarded across multiple research categories.
Tour de Cure national impact
- 220+ major cancer breakthroughs funded.
- 1,200+ cancer projects backed.
- $150M raised for cancer research since 2007.
Every dollar raised by Tour de Cure is powered by community – riders, staff, volunteers and supporters – working together to beat cancer. Thank you for your continued support of world-class, breakthrough cancer research at the University of Newcastle.
Tour de Cure is one of many valued donors supporting research at the University of Newcastle. If you would like to support an area of research that is important to you, please contact our team on 02 4921 8612 or email philanthropy@newcastle.edu.au
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.