About TOGA

Scientific Committee

The Scientific Committee serves as the cornerstone of TOGA’s research direction and scientific output.

This Scientific Committee meticulously reviews and approves clinical trial concepts and research proposals and ensures that TOGA prioritises the most promising research avenues with the potential to significantly advance the field of thoracic oncology.

Furthermore, the Scientific Committee’s expertise extends beyond the review process. Committee members are highly sought-after for their invaluable contributions in various capacities. These may include membership in other TOGA committees or working groups, participation in fundraising initiatives, or esteemed roles in reviewing award applications.

Working Groups

Our Scientific Committee is comprised of Working Groups and Review Panels to ensure high-quality clinical trials that contribute to evidence-based healthcare. 

Nominate yourself to a working group to review developing concepts and support upcoming research and trials.

Research Concept Submissions

If you would like to submit a research concept for TOGA endorsements by our Scientific Committee, we have resources and applications awaiting you here.

Scientific Committee Members

Board Director

Prof.

Nick Pavlakis

BSc MBBS MMEd (Clin Epi) PhD FRACP
Scientific Committee Chair

A/Prof.

Thomas John

MBBS, PhD, FRACP
Board Member

Prof.

Ben Solomon

MBBS FRACP PhD
Board Director

Lillian Leigh

BSc LLB LLM GCHP GAICD
Advanced NSCLC co-chair

Prof.

Ken O’Byrne

MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA, MD
Advanced NSCLC co-chair

Dr.

Malinda Itchins

BMedSci, MBBS (Hons1), FRACP, PhD
Early NSCLC Co-chair

Dr.

Tracy Leong

MBBS (Hons) FRACP MPH PhD CCPU
Early Career Researcher representative

Dr.

Sarah Heynemann

MBBS/BMedSci, MBioeth, FRACP
Early Career Researcher representative

Dr.

Rachael Dodd

SCLC/Mesothelioma Co-Chair

Dr.

Rebecca Tay

MBBS (Hons), FRACP
Supportive & Palliative co-chair

A/Prof.

Haryana Dhillon

Supportive & Palliative co-chair

A/Prof.

Michael Franco

MBBS, FRACP, FAChPM, CHIA
Early NSCLC co-chair

A/Prof.

Gavin Wright

MBBS FRACS PhD
Translational Research co-chair

Dr.

Venessa Chin

Translational Research Co-Chair

Prof.

Kate Sutherland

BSc PhD
Radiation Oncology representative

Prof.

Shankar Siva

New Zealand representative

Dr .

Laird Cameron

MBChB, FRACP
SCLC/mesothelioma Co-chair

A/Prof.

Surein Arulananda

MBBS BMedSci PhD FRACP
Clinical Lung Cancer Nurse representative

Amy O’Donnell

Clinical Lung Cancer Nurse representative

Helen Westman

Scientific representative

Dr.

Joe Wei

Consumer Panel

Lisa Briggs

Consumer representative / Scientific Committee

Jon Graftdyk

Scientific Committee member

Dr.

Vanessa Brunelli

PhD, RN, BN(Hons1A), DAppSci
Lung Lead, NHMRC CTC

A/Prof.

Chee Lee

Biostatistician NHMRC CTC

Chris Brown

Consumer representative / Scientific Committee

Teresa Faé

Consumer Panel / Scientific Committee

Alison Bolton

You can read more about this committee in the Scientific Committee Terms of Reference.