ABOUT US

Learn more about why the OCRF exists and our expertise in ovarian cancer research.

ABOUT OCRF

Transforming outcomes for ovarian cancer

Established in 2000, The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) is Australia’s leading independent funder of ovarian cancer research, dedicated to transforming outcomes for the most lethal gynaecological cancer.

In Australia, fewer than 50 percent of women and girls diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive more than five years - a figure unchanged for decades, highlighting disparities and gender inequities in research and care that demand urgent action.

OCRF is rewriting this story. Our vision is a future where those impacted by ovarian cancer can live healthy, vital lives. To achieve this, we are catalysing change and accelerating progress by increasing awareness, advocating for greater investment and equity, collaborating nationally and internationally, and strategically funding high-impact medical research.

Every dollar we raise comes from the Australian community, driven by a shared determination to make our vision a reality.

25 years of progress and hope

2025 marks 25 years since the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) was founded by Professor Tom Jobling and Liz Heliotis, to fill a critical gap and provide ovarian cancer researchers with access to funding that simply wasn't available elsewhere.

The goal was to attract more researchers to focus on ovarian cancer and to investigate early detection targets as a primary method to improve survivability.

Since that time, thanks to dedicated community and corporate partners and generous individuals, the OCRF has expanded its research remit, and become the largest independent funder of ovarian cancer research in Australia; a leading advocate for change, and a key voice for raising awareness of this insidious disease.

THE OCRF VISION

A healthy vital future for all those impacted by ovarian cancer

Our purpose

We exist to drive step-change in funds raised, awareness, and research undertaken, for the most lethal women’s cancer in Australia.

Our approach

Because Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer, and it requires increased attention and more funding for research.

We provide fundraising for expert scientific research, advocacy and engagement to raise awareness and profile.

To support world-leading researchers and those impacted by ovarian cancer

That leads to impactful research and positive health outcomes .

Which results in lives saved and prolonged, and a community aware.

OCRF is 100 percent focused on a future in which everyone affected by ovarian cancer can, and does, survive and thrive.

ACCELERATING MEDICAL RESEARCH WILL SAVE LIVES

Women and girls diagnosed with ovarian cancer deserve more than half a chance to survive. Ovarian cancer research remains critically underfunded, receiving less than 0.7% of government medical research funding despite being the most lethal reproductive cancer and costing upwards of 16,000 life years annually.

OCRF is the largest independent funder in Australia and 100 percent of these funds are raised by the Australian community. Thank you - your support is absolutely vital to changing the future for generations of women and girls.

CHARITY STATUS

The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) is a registered charity in Australia and does not receive any direct government funding. This means everything we invest into ovarian cancer research is thanks to the support we receive from donors, fundraisers and our partners.

We pride ourselves on not only being at the forefront of medical research, but a leader in our industry advocating for better outcomes for women and families affected by an ovarian cancer diagnosis.