Tracey O'Brien | Samantha Oakes | Paul Conyngham | Fatemeh Vafaee
Moderator: Julie McCrossin
Across Australia and globally, the story of cancer is changing. Once considered a disease of later life, cancer is now being diagnosed earlier, raising urgent and complex questions. Is it our environment? Our lifestyle? Improved detection? Or something we are yet to understand?
At the same time, the science is moving fast. As researchers race to understand this shift, breakthroughs in genomic sequencing, advanced imaging and AI are transforming the way we detect and treat cancer.
But progress brings new challenges. Many rural, regional and Indigenous communities still face barriers to early detection and specialist care. Closing these gaps is essential so every person, wherever they live, can benefit from the next generation of cancer care.
Join us for an evening of discovery and discussion, as leading experts explore why early diagnoses are rising and what it will take to turn scientific breakthroughs into better, more equitable health outcomes for all.
This event is co-presented by the UNSW Faculties of Medicine & Health and Science.
LIVE EVENT & VENUE INFORMATION
The Library Auditorium is located inside the State Library of New South Wales at 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW. Please note this is a live event only, and will not be available via livestream.
TICKETS
ACCESS
Wheelchair Access
The Mitchell Building has an accessible lift entrance on Shakespeare Place. Please note that the State Library does not have an accessible drop-off zone. Information on nearby accessible parking options can be found here.
Assisted Listening
The Library Auditorium has a permanent hearing loop available.
Accessibility at the State Library of New South Wales
For further information on accessibility at the State Library of New South Wales, please click here.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT & PARKING
The State Library of New South Wales is easily accessible via public transport. The closest metro and rail stop is Martin Place (250 metres from the Library) with a number of buses stopping nearby. For more information please call the Transport Infoline on 131 500 or visit transportnsw.info.
The nearest paid parking station is Parkhouse Car Park (187 Macquarie Street), with metered parking available on Hospital Road.
For further information on getting to the State Library, please click here.
PROGRESS FOR ALL
At UNSW, we’re committed to enabling healthy lives for all communities, translating advances in research and care into real-world impact. From prevention and early detection to cutting-edge treatments, our work spans both the science of disease and the systems that shape access to care.
By collaborating across disciplines and with partners in healthcare, research and industry, we’re driving innovations that enable more personalised, equitable care and preparing the next generation of health leaders.
This event reflects our commitment to Progress for All, bringing together expertise, technology and community to shape a healthier future. Learn more about Progress for All.
CONTACT
For all enquiries, please email science.events@unsw.edu.au
Professor Tracey O’Brien AM is the NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW. A paediatric and adolescent haematologist and oncologist, Tracey has more than 25 years of experience across clinical care, research and senior health system leadership. She is widely recognised for bringing together fields that too often sit separately: science and service delivery, clinical care and public policy, research ambition and system reform. Her leadership has helped shape a more connected, equitable and forward-looking approach to cancer control, translating evidence and innovation into better outcomes for patients, families and communities.
In addition to her specialist medical training, Tracey holds an MBA and a Master of Health Law, and has academic appointments at UNSW, Macquarie University and Western Sydney University. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024, named NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence in 2026, and recognised as one of the top global oncology CEOs in 2025.
Entrepreneur and data science leader Paul Conyngham has built a career across startups, global organisations and education, applying AI and genomics to real-world challenges.
Recently, he worked with UNSW Sydney to develop an mRNA vaccine for Rose, his dog with mast cell cancer, an innovation that drew global attention. Beyond business, Paul volunteers with the NSW Rural Fire Service and mentors emerging talent in data and AI.
Professor Fatemeh Vafaee is a globally recognised leader in Biomedical Artificial Intelligence, serving as the Deputy Director (Science) of the UNSW AI Institute. She is the Scientific Lead of the UNSW Biomedical AI Laboratory (Vafaee Lab) at UNSW and the architect of Med-Tech.AI, a multi-institutional graduate program advancing AI-enabled medical technologies.
Fatemeh’s research sits at the intersection of AI, biotechnology, and clinical translation, with more than 15 years of experience in developing machine learning, multi-omics, and deep learning technologies for precision medicine.
Adjunct Professor Sam Oakes PhD FRSN AAICD brings more than 20 years’ experience across the health and medical research and not‑for‑profit sectors to her role as Chief Executive Officer of ANZUP Cancer Trials Group Ltd. A respected research leader, change‑maker and relationship builder, Sam has led impactful programs across discovery research, clinical translation and research investment.
Her research leadership has contributed to significant advances, including the development of a novel dual therapeutic and anti‑metastatic strategy for triple‑negative breast cancer and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In 2019–2020, Sam established and led the Long‑Term Clinical Follow‑Up Unit at the Australian Genomic Cancer Medicine Centre (now OMICO), one of Australia’s largest precision medicine initiatives.
Sam is a passionate advocate for health and medical research that saves lives, reduces suffering and improves quality of life. She is deeply committed to supporting ANZUP’s mission to improve outcomes for people diagnosed with below‑the‑belt cancers and to advancing the shared vision of a future where people can live without fear of cancer.
Julie McCrossin is an award-winning broadcaster and facilitator, known for leading thoughtful conversations on complex issues. After a stage four cancer diagnosis in 2013, she underwent intensive treatment and is now in remission, bringing lived experience to her advocacy for better cancer care and health literacy. A longtime LGBTQIA+ advocate, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to community and media.
Professor Bogda Koczwara is the inaugural Director of the Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship, established in 2024 through a joint $40 million investment from UNSW and Cancer Council NSW. The Centre is focused on transforming care and improving the wellbeing of cancer survivors through impactful, collaborative research.
Professor Koczwara is a clinician‑researcher dedicated to improving outcomes for people affected by cancer. Her work focuses on cancer survivorship, recognising the complex physical, psychological and practical challenges experienced by survivors and their families, many of which remain inadequately addressed. Drawing on expertise across epidemiology, clinical trials, psycho‑oncology and implementation science, her research aims to develop innovative, effective and person‑centred solutions in partnership with people affected by cancer, clinicians and policymakers.
