Nicholas Gottardo

Nicholas Gottardo is a Clinical Professor at the University of Western Australia (UWA) Medical School, affiliated with the UWA Centre for Child Health Research and the Telethon Kids Institute. He is a practicing Consultant Paediatric Oncologist/Neuro-oncologist at Perth Children’s Hospital and leads the Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology/Haematology Department. His roles include the Stan Perron Chair in Pediatric Oncology and Haematology (since 2018).

Education: MB ChB (University of Leeds, 1988–1993) and PhD in Molecular Biology (UWA, 2008).

Research focuses on childhood brain tumors, including medulloblastoma and ependymoma. Key areas include molecular basis of tumors, preclinical models, and clinical trials. He co-leads the Brain Tumour Research Programme at Telethon Kids Institute, the largest in Australia for pediatric brain tumors. His work emphasizes translating lab findings into improved therapies.

Recent studies include trials on kinase inhibitors (e.g., SJ-ELiOT) and optimizing radiation therapy. His research aligns with UN SDGs, particularly health equity and reducing cancer-related harm.

• Awards: Peter Doherty Leading Light Award (2019), Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Collaborator of the Year (2019), and multiple national recognitions.
• Grants: Includes projects on DNA damage response inhibitors, pediatric pharmacogenomics, and reducing radiation exposure in brain cancer treatment.

Labs/Teams: Co-directs the Brain Tumour Research team at Telethon Kids Institute with Dr. Raelene Endersby.