Lab coats and ceilings: Amgen and ACRF join forces to break barriers for women in cancer research

Amgen ANZ and the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) have joined forces to launch new initiatives exclusively for women in cancer research – marking a significant step towards closing the gender gap in Australia’s scientific community.

In this Health Industry Hub podcast, Kerry Strydom, CEO of the ACRF, and Cae Tolman, Country Senior Medical Director at Amgen ANZ, unpack the intent behind this collaboration and what it means for the future of cancer breakthroughs.

Against the backdrop of the 2024 Australian Health and Medical Research Workforce Audit – where only 26% of women make it to the top and over half are stuck on contracts instead of full-time employment – the question looms large: how does the cancer research workforce compare, and is the playing field really starting to level?

Strydom and Tolman tackle head-on the systemic barriers holding back female cancer researchers and ask whether recent gender equity targets in research funding are delivering more than just promises on paper. With three new initiatives set to amplify the voices and visibility of women in cancer research, both leaders reflect on how to bring the right talent to the table – and keep it there.

Highlighting the importance of male allies in advancing gender equality, Tolman shares the story behind his personal passion in advocating for change within the industry.

Looking ahead, Strydom outlines ACRF’s strategic priorities for the coming months, emphasising the organisation’s evolving focus in funding cancer research.

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