Robin's Reflections – October
October 05, 2025
Last month, I had the privilege of travelling to North America with our Research Director David Hunt and Senior Research Advisor Dr Amy Wilson for two significant international gatherings that brought together some of the brightest minds and funders in ovarian cancer research.
We began in Vancouver for the second Global Ovarian Cancer Research Consortium (GOCRC) planning meeting, where we met with our peers at Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (USA), Ovarian Cancer Canada (CAN), and Ovarian Cancer Action (UK) to plan our next collaborative initiatives as a group.
The research Leads from our respective organisations provided a progress update on assessment of $1M AI Accelerator Grant, launched in May of this year. We also received an insightful presentation from renowned Prof David Huntsman, the Dr. Chew Wei Memorial Professor of Gynaecologic Oncology at the University of British Columbia. David presented on the effectiveness and evidence for opportunistic salpingectomy as a preventative measure for ovarian cancer. You can read more about this procedure on our website.
After that, we heard from computational biologist Matthew Trunnell, recent past Vice President and Chief Data Officer at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, and past CIO of the Broad Institute at MIT. Matthew shared a presentation on the exciting potential of a global research data exchange and health data commons - and how this could transform ovarian cancer outcomes.
To sit alongside peers from across the world, sharing strategies, results and plans was profoundly energising and motivating. Together we agree there is a valuable role for philanthropy to play in catalysing change.
From Vancouver, the team travelled to Denver for the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Special Conference on Ovarian Cancer. There, the conversation turned deeply scientific – the kind that reminds us why investment in research is so urgently needed. It was a chance to learn from scientific leaders and strengthen partnerships.
These meetings underscored something we already know at the OCRF: innovation is best fostered when we work together, pooling resources, networks and knowledge.
I left North America with renewed conviction that we are part of a gathering global movement for investing in research, and in respecting new ideas and new ways of doing things.
Frocktober is here!
Back home, it’s time to frock up! It’s been a real delight to observe so many great people embracing the fun and purpose of Frocktober, Australia’s most fashionable fundraiser. Whether it’s sequins at the office or dapper gear on the treadmill, every head turning, conversation-starting outfit worn is a step closer to spreading awareness and raising crucial funds for medical research. This year’s early results tell us something powerful: the passion and creativity of this community is seriously stellar!
There is still time to register for the full Frocker experience or just frock up for a single day or night and make a donation, in the One-off Frock Challenge.
Looking ahead
We have another milestone on the horizon. Later this month, we will launch the OCRF’s refreshed Research Impact Strategy at Parliament House. This strategy was developed from extensive national consultation and outlines how we will fund and engage with the research community over the next five years. We’re excited to launch the strategy in Canberra as a reminder to policymakers why ovarian cancer deserves to be in the national spotlight.
Vale Olivia (Liv) Curtis
Last month we sadly lost one of our incredible OCRF ambassadors. Olivia Curtis had lived with ovarian cancer for five years, and she was an exceptional ambassador, passionate advocate for medical research, and beloved mother of three, wife, daughter and friend. You may remember Liv and her beautiful family as the face of our end of year appeal in June 2024.
Liv will be dearly missed by all at the OCRF and the wider community. Liv’s passing is another stark reminder that many of the women who have shared their poignant stories with us are no longer here. A dramatic increase in investment in medical research and support is the only answer.
We will carry Liv’s vibrant spirit with us as we strive forward and, in so doing, acknowledge each and every one who is living with – or lost someone special to - ovarian cancer.
Sincere thanks for your generous support of all our work. We simply can not do it without you.
Warm regards for October,
Robin Penty, CEO
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