At the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group (ANZCHOG), we regularly have the privilege of working alongside individuals who genuinely make a tangible difference. Today, we are incredibly proud to highlight and celebrate the remarkable work of Professor Nick Gottardo, our Immediate Past Chair and currently serving on our Board of Directors.

As the Clinical Director of the WA Comprehensive Kids Cancer Centre, Nick has spent his career tackling some of the most complex challenges in paediatric oncology. For families navigating a childhood brain cancer diagnosis, his vision has transformed what treatment looks like, ensuring that local access to world-class clinical trials is a reality rather than an exception.

In oncology, survival is always the primary goal, but Nick’s approach looks far beyond this. His clinical and research philosophy is deeply rooted in protecting a child’s quality of life both during and long after their treatment has ended..

Nick’s leadership has been central to driving some of the most significant diagnostic and therapeutic advancements in the region. He spearheaded the revolutionary AIM-BRAIN project (Access to Innovative Molecular diagnostic profiling), which integrated advanced molecular testing into standard diagnostic pathways.

By evaluating more than 300 patients across Australia, the project directly altered diagnosis and treatment plans in up to 20 per cent of cases. Because of this success, it was adopted nationally, establishing Australia as one of the few nations worldwide providing this clinically validated testing as standard care.

Furthering his mission to expand clinical trial opportunities, Nick is leading a landmark 14 million dollar, seven-year national partnership funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). This initiative establishes the Consortium for Australian Children’s Trials in Brain Cancer (CoACT: Brain Cancer), which unites 77 investigators across more than 30 institutions, including all nine Australian paediatric oncology departments, major research groups, and ANZCHOG members

Building on this momentum, Nick is now serving as the Principal Investigator for the newly launched CONNECT TarGeT trial in Australia and New Zealand. This cutting-edge, adaptive umbrella trial utilises precision medicine to target aggressive high-grade gliomas. By testing multiple targeted therapies simultaneously, the trial matches experimental treatments directly to the unique genetic profile of a child’s tumour.

Historically, accessing novel and experimental therapies meant that families often felt the burden of travelling interstate or overseas. Through Nick’s determination to expand local early-phase clinical trials, Australian families can now access these groundbreaking treatments right at home, surrounded by their support networks when they need them most.

Beyond his clinical brilliance and research credentials, Nick brings a calming energy and warmth to everything he does, putting people at the heart of all that he does. 

Nick, thank you for your exceptional leadership during your tenure as ANZCHOG Chair, and for your continued wisdom and guidance on our Board. Our entire network is incredibly fortunate to have your expertise and unwavering commitment as we work together to improve outcomes for children with cancer.