Cancer Council providing a launch pad for the next generation of research discovery

When Kristof was offered the once in a lifetime opportunity to conduct his honours research at a world leading laboratory in Germany, he needed financial support for it to be a success. So he applied for the Evelyn Pederson Honours Scholarship.

Funded by a generous bequest by Tasmanian Evelyn Pedersen, this scholarship is awarded annually by Cancer Council and the University of Tasmania to the best and brightest undergraduate students wishing to undertake research into any area of cancer. The scholarship is designed to provide much needed support for the living and research expenses associated with a university honours year. It is one of many scholarships provided by Cancer Council to students who are keen to make a difference to the lives of people impacted by cancer. These scholarships vary in focus and size, but they are all designed to support our next generation of researchers and health professionals.

With his expenses taken care of, Kristof was free to dedicate all of his time towards his research project and that dedication has paid off in spades.

Working with Professor Dirk Busch at the Technical University of Munich, Kristof focused his energy on improving how certain types of cancer immunotherapies are developed, personalised and delivered to patients. While his thesis was technical in nature, his results have already had positive impacts on preclinical research both here and overseas. Importantly, he has brought the techniques he championed in Germany back to Australia where they are now in regular use.

Today, Kristof is in his final year of medicine but still fitting in some research work around his busy study schedule. He’s looking forward to combining the research skills he has learnt with his medical practice to improve and advance our understanding of human health and is extraordinarily grateful for the opportunity given to him by Cancer Council.