Thomas Robert Cox

Professor Thomas Robert Cox is a faculty member at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Kinghorn Cancer Centre in Sydney, Australia. His research focuses on the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its remodelling in cancer progression, therapy response, and metastasis in solid tumors. He leads the Matrix and Metastasis Lab, which aligns with Garvan's strategic vision to advance precision oncology and stromal targeting. His research integrates matrix biology to develop anti-stromal therapies, improve pre-clinical cancer models, and redefine the ECM's role in cancer biology.

Professor Cox holds memberships in prestigious societies such as the Metastasis Research Society (MRS), Matrix Biology Society of Australia & New Zealand (MBSANZ, Past-President), and the International Society of Matrix Biology (ISMB, Council). He actively supervises B.Sc., Honours, and Ph.D. students, as well as visiting international researchers. His lab is located at the Garvan Institute’s Kinghorn Cancer Centre, addressing critical questions in cancer metastasis and ECM dynamics.

His research streams include expanding anti-ECM drug pipelines, developing 3D models for therapy evaluation, and redefining the ECM's active role in cancer progression. Collaborations emphasize translating fundamental discoveries into clinical applications, such as personalized stromal targeting strategies.