The Thoracic Oncology Group Australasia (TOGA) Life Member Award recognises those whose dedication has advanced research, advocacy, and care for people affected by thoracic malignancies, and left a profound mark on the thoracic community in Australia and New Zealand.
At the TOGA Annual Scientific Meeting, we had the honour of celebrating and welcoming three extraordinary individuals as 2025 Life Members.
Joanne Wade
Head of National Asbestos and Dust Diseases, Slater and Gordon Lawyers
With nearly three decades of experience in asbestos and dust disease litigation, Joanne Wade has long been a powerful voice for mesothelioma and lung cancer patients. Her work has extended far beyond the courtroom, she has advocated before parliamentary inquiries, helped shape legislation, and worked to ensure compensation is available to support access to life-extending treatments not yet listed on the PBS.
Joanne has supported TOGA’s research efforts through fundraising events including City2Surf and the Kosi Climb, and has been a committed educator on the dangers of asbestos exposure. Her leadership continues to guide legal strategies in asbestos and silicosis claims across the country.
Professor Kenneth O’Byrne
Medical Oncologist and Clinical Scientist, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queensland University of Technology
Prof Kenneth O’Byrne’s pioneering contributions to thoracic oncology over four decades have shaped the future of lung cancer research and treatment. A renowned clinician-scientist, his work has contributed to the development of novel therapies and biomarkers, and he has been involved in pivotal clinical trials including FLEX, LUX-Lung, CheckMate-227, and DREAM3R.
Prof O’Byrne co-founded two biotech companies that bridge discovery and patient care and has held key leadership roles, including founding the British Thoracic Oncology Group, co-founding the European Thoracic Oncology Platform, and serving on the board of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group.
A passionate mentor, he has supervised more than 30 higher-degree research students and remains dedicated to fostering future leaders in thoracic oncology across the globe.
Professor Michael Millward
Professor of Clinical Cancer Research, University of Western Australia | Medical Director, Oncology, Linear Clinical Research Adjunct Professor Edith Cowan University
Prof Michael Millward has been a visionary force in lung cancer clinical research and innovation. As a clinician, academic and research leader, his work has propelled early-phase clinical trials and placed Perth at the forefront of first-in-human cancer studies. Under his leadership, Linear Clinical Research has become a national leader in oncology trials, contributing more than $14 million annually to research and development.
With over 270 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 72, his influence on the field is wide-reaching. Prof Millward’s role as President of the Australasian Lung Cancer Trials Group (now TOGA) from 2008 to 2012 was instrumental in shaping the organisation’s trajectory. His research has attracted more than $44 million in funding in just the past five years, a testament to the ongoing impact of his work.
TOGA is proud to recognise these three leaders for their exceptional contributions to thoracic cancer care, research, advocacy, and education. Their work has advanced the field, supported countless patients and families, and inspired a new generation of clinicians, researchers and advocates. We thank them for their unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by thoracic cancers.
Ms. Joanne Wade, Prof. Ken O’Byrne, and Prof. Michael Millward are now Life Members of TOGA, joining Mr. Barry Robson and Prof. David Ball.
