Aurora Announces $5.9 Million Cancer Scholarship Program for Indigenous Students

Aurora Announces $5.9 Million Cancer Scholarship Program for Indigenous Students

PRESS RELEASE | The Aurora Education Foundation (Aurora) has today announced one of Australia’s largest scholarships to support Indigenous health professionals and researchers complete postgraduate study or research in a cancer-related field.

The First Nations Cancer Scholarship, funded by the Australian Government through Cancer Australia, aims to increase the network of Indigenous people who lead and contribute to cancer control, including through research. The Scholarship will see Indigenous scholars receive $120,000 per year up to three years, as well as academic, wellbeing and community support.

Cancer is the leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, however less than one per cent of health professionals are Indigenous.

Aurora’s CEO, Leila Smith, explains that strengthening the pipeline of Indigenous healthcare professionals and researchers is critical if these outcomes are going to improve:

“For almost 20 years, Aurora has championed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars to reach right to the top of the academic sphere, to be leaders in their fields and to create change in community. The launch of our First Nations Cancer Scholarship is an important step in this journey.

“This Scholarship creates opportunities for the best and brightest Indigenous scholars to develop specialist skills and expertise that will strengthen how cancer-related professions lead and contribute to cancer control. I am excited about the potential of this Scholarship and look forward to the announcement of the successful scholars later this year.”

“As we build a stronger, more inclusive cancer system through the implementation of the Australian Cancer Plan, initiatives like the First Nations Cancer Scholarship will be crucial in empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives in cancer control efforts. In partnerships such as our collaboration with Aurora, we can drive innovation, improve cancer outcomes, and ultimately, save lives.” said Professor Dorothy Keefe, CEO, Cancer Australia.

To be eligible for the First Nations Cancer Scholarship, Indigenous students must be undertaking full-time postgraduate study or research in a cancer-related field in health, research or policy. They must be also able to demonstrate how their study or research will impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in improving cancer-related outcomes.

Expressions of Interest for the First Nations Cancer Scholarship are now open until 30 August 2024, to find out more and apply visit www.FirstNationsCancerScholarship.com.

ENDS

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Jillian McKee, jillian@suada.com.au or 0431 948 069

About Aurora

The Aurora Education Foundation is an Indigenous organisation that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to realise their full education and employment potential – whether it is completing Year 12 or achieving a DPhil from Oxford. Through interconnected pathways, we walk with students from high school through to university and the workplace, redefining Indigenous educational and employment success.