UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
Research Field: Cancer Research
Human cells are made up of millions of electrical and chemical circuits that connect to drive their
diverse and sophisticated activities. Cancer is initiated following disruption to these circuits, a
process that is driven by mutations to our DNA, which alters the production and function of proteins
– the cells’ functional currency. Dr Matt Dun’s laboratory is one of only a handful internationally that
conducts global analysis of the phosphoproteins that regulate the cellular communication networks
implicit in cancer initiation, growth, survival and that suppress the function of the immune system.
Continuous fellowship funding (Cancer Institute NSW and NHMRC) has supported Matt to establish a
large team focussed on paediatric cancers with poor outcomes.
Matt’s engagement and advocacy is recognised via the NSW Premier’s Outstanding Cancer Research
Fellow of 2019 and by his previous role as a Director of the Australian Society for Medical Research.
His expertise in biochemistry and cell biology, strong connections with oncologist, haematologist and
pharmaceutical industries, enable him to translate his discovery research, to the identification of
new and improved treatment strategies for high-risk cancer patients.