Stephen Ackland

Conjoint Professor Stephen Ackland is a distinguished academic at the University of Newcastle, affiliated with the School of Medicine and Public Health. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology and holds leadership roles in cancer research networks, including Director of the University of Newcastle Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation and Co-director of Hunter Medical Research Institute Cancer Research Program. With expertise in medical oncology, he has led national and international clinical trials in cancer pharmacotherapy.

• 30+ years in clinical cancer research
• Executive member, Hunter Cancer Research Alliance
• International advisor, American Society of Clinical Oncology

Research Expertise spans clinical pharmacology of anticancer drugs, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics, and cancer clinical trials. He investigates drug measurement, toxicity prediction, and treatment personalisation through genetic markers like DPYD, contributing to precision oncology.

Publication Trends reveal a focus on 5-fluorouracil pharmacogenomics, simvastatin in cancer, and chemotherapy dose optimisation. His 15 most recent works include meta-analyses of DPYD variants, rectal cancer trials, and oesophageal cancer treatment protocols.

Awards & Grants include the Medical Oncology Group/GSK Travel Award and over $30 million in research grants since 1999. He has led 24 major grants totaling $22 million, with emphasis on translational cancer research and clinical trial infrastructure.

Leadership & Collaborations include co-founding the PRIMe consortium, directing Australasian GastroIntestinal Trials Group, and advising Cancer Council NSW. He has mentored teams across medical oncology, pharmacology, and genomic research.