Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has congratulated distinguished cancer researcher and advocate Professor Jeff Dunn AO on his appointment as Chair of the Translational Research Institute (TRI).
PCFA has also announced Professor Dunn’s appointment as its inaugural Global Advocacy Companion, forging new international alliances in pursuit of PCFA’s mission.
PCFA National Chairman Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Callister AM said Professor Dunn’s appointment to lead the TRI Board recognised a remarkable record of research, governance and global cancer control leadership.
“Jeff has devoted more than four decades to ensuring that research does not remain on a page or in a laboratory, but is translated into better policy, better care, and better outcomes for people affected by cancer,” Adjunct Associate Professor Callister said.
“His appointment as Chair of TRI is fitting recognition of a leader who understands that scientific discovery achieves its greatest purpose when it changes and saves lives.
“Jeff brings exceptional research credentials, extensive board and executive experience, and a deeply personal understanding of what it means to live with cancer. His leadership will be an enormous asset to TRI and the communities its work ultimately serves.”
TRI is a leading Australian medical research institute bringing together researchers, clinicians, industry and government to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into new treatments, diagnostics and improvements in healthcare.
Professor Dunn said he was honoured to accept the appointment.
“TRI stands at the vital intersection between scientific discovery and human impact,” Professor Dunn said.
“It is a privilege to help guide an organisation built on collaboration and a determination to move promising research into clinical practice, policy and better health outcomes.
“My experience as a researcher, advocate and cancer survivor has reinforced one enduring truth: discovery matters most when it reaches people. I look forward to working with TRI’s Board, leadership, partners and research community to help turn exceptional science into healthier lives.”
Professor Dunn’s appointment as PCFA’s Global Advocacy Companion follows his distinguished service as PCFA’s Chief of Mission and Head of Research and continues his longstanding commitment to Australian men and families affected by prostate cancer.
In the worldwide role, Professor Dunn will serve as a senior emissary for PCFA, representing the organisation in global cancer control forums and forging alliances with research institutes, clinical leaders, peak bodies and patient organisations.
He will champion Australian achievements internationally-including the 2026 Guidelines for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer and PCFA’s specialist nursing and survivorship models-while bringing new evidence, partnerships and opportunities back to Australia.
Adjunct Associate Professor Callister said the appointment would extend PCFA’s influence and create new opportunities for international collaboration.
“Jeff has an extraordinary ability to open doors, connect people and convert shared ambition into action,” he said.
“As President of the Union for International Cancer Control, he placed Australia at the centre of global conversations about cancer prevention, equity, survivorship and patient-centred care.
“As PCFA’s inaugural Global Advocacy Companion, Jeff will ensure prostate cancer is named in international agendas where it is too often absent. He will carry Australia’s experience to the world and bring the world’s best thinking home to Australian men and their families.
“This is more than an honorary title. It is a purposeful appointment designed to create partnerships, influence policy and accelerate progress towards our goal of eliminating avoidable deaths from prostate cancer.”
Professor Dunn said his two new roles shared a common purpose.
“Whether we are translating a scientific discovery into treatment or transforming evidence into public policy, progress depends on trusted relationships and a willingness to work across disciplines and borders,” he said.
“As PCFA’s Global Advocacy Companion, I will proudly champion Australian evidence and experience, build new alliances and advocate for early detection, equitable access and patient-centred care.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving PCFA’s mission. Our task now is to turn global standing into local benefit-and give more men and families more time, better care and greater hope.”
Professor Dunn is Professor of Social and Behavioural Science and Chair of Cancer Survivorship at the University of Southern Queensland. He served as President of the Union for International Cancer Control from 2022 to 2024 and has previously led both Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Cancer Council Queensland.
His research has produced more than 200 publications, and he is recognised as one of the world’s leading researchers in prostate cancer survivorship and quality of life. He chaired the expert Steering Committee responsible for Australia’s new national Guidelines for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer, approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council in May 2026.
Professor Dunn was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2014 and named a Queensland Great in 2025 in recognition of his transformational contribution to cancer control and patient-centred care.
