The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre is extremely proud to announce the Steer North VCCC PhD Scholarship at The University of Melbourne, made possible by a generous donation by Steer North. The PhD scholarship, worth $100,000, will support a talented student to undertake cancer research at one of the member organisations of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC).
Steer North is a Health Promotion Charity, dedicated to inspiring people to live healthy and active lives and raising funds for medical research, education and patient care. Steer North was inspired by Mike Helal, who died from a rare type of bone cancer in 2015. Led by Mike’s brother James and his partner Rita Nehme, the group’s first major project was a 4,000km cycle from Melbourne to Cairns last year which raised $100,000. Their ambitious journey included visits to different communities across Australia to highlight the benefits of a healthy lifestyle on reducing the rate of disease. More challenging endurance rides and innovative health promotion programs are planned for the future.
“We owe it to our riders who fundraised this impressive donation by pedalling their bikes across Australia. We hope this PhD scholarship in cancer research will be the first of many scholarships supported and funded by Steer North” said James Helal.
The VCCC is honoured and grateful to receive this support from Steer North. The Steer North VCCC PhD Scholarship supports our commitment to improve patient outcomes by integrating cancer research, education and patient care through our comprehensive cancer centre model. Opportunities, such as this one, assist talented individuals to further their education and undertake research into cancer, and help build a skilled and dedicated cancer research workforce.
“James, Rita and all the Steer North participants and supporters are truly inspiring," commented Prof Grant McArthur, Executive Director of the VCCC. “Their passion and commitment further reinforces our own determination to advance the control and cure of cancer. A strong cancer workforce is critical to this mission and we look forward to awarding this special PhD Scholarship to a student who shares the vision of the people who have made it possible.”
The scholarship is for an Australian citizen studying a PhD focusing on cancer research. Applications are now open and will be closing on the 31st of October 2017. For more information on eligibility and applying for this opportunity, visit the Steer North VCCC PhD Scholarship page: https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/steer-north-vccc-phd-scholarship
Photo credit: Cairns Post
Steer North riders celebrate the end of their 4,000km cycling journey from Melbourne to Cairns, December 2016.
