The Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand (OCFNZ) is thrilled to announce the 2025 ovarian cancer grant recipients.
The major research grant was awarded to Dr Qi Chen, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland. Dr Chen is studying opportunities to inhibit ovarian tumour growth by investigating how placental extracellular vesicles can act as an immune modulator. This research searches for ways to stop the growth of ovarian tumours by investigating how placental extracellular vesicles (tiny, balloon-like structures that can carry messages between cells) can alter the body’s own immune response.
He shares “With an overall lower survival rate, more effective therapies for ovarian cancer are urgently needed. Receiving this award empowers us to develop a novel approach for ovarian cancer treatment that utilises natural production as an immune modulator.”
OCFNZ is committed to advancing ovarian cancer research in Aotearoa, and as part of that believe strongly in supporting researchers and strengthening research capability. To support this goal we are funding two international travel grants, which provides funding so an early career researcher can visit an international laboratory. This visit will facilitate stronger global cooperation, and expose researchers to new ideas and techniques that they can bring back to Aotearoa.
While one travel grant was advertised initially, due to Dr Chen submitting a research proposal under budget, OCFNZ has been able to fund two international travel grants.
Rosa Latton of the University of Otago, has been awarded one travel grant, she intends to travel to the UK to spend time in Dr Robb Hollis’ lab to explore profiling and genotypic analysis of low-grade serous ovarian cancer. Katie Walker, also of the University of Otago will be travelling to Australia to work with world-renowned researcher Dr Anna DeFazio.
Katie says “My passion for ovarian cancer research is driven by the need for better health outcomes for women affected by ovarian cancer, from understanding risk, to improved diagnosis and treatment. The opportunity to be immersed in a world-leading ovarian cancer research team will enhance my skills and knowledge as an effective and translational researcher here in Aotearoa.”
OCFNZ has partnered with the Cancer Research Trust for the first time to administer these grants. As the second largest non-government funder of cancer research in Aotearoa. They bring decades of experience and rigour to the grants administration process and we are thrilled to have them as partners in supporting vital ovarian cancer research.
We also extend a huge thanks to our incredible supporters. Without your generous contributions we would not be in a position to fund essential research.
“The opportunity to support three researchers here in Aotearoa is something that OCFNZ is delighted to be able to do. We thank our community and supporters across the country who have made this possible through contributing to the work and fundraising efforts of OCFNZ.” says Liz Pennington, General Manager OCFNZ
In 2025 OCFNZ hosted two fundraisers dedicated to raising funds specifically for ovarian cancer research. The Long Lunch, hosted in Auckland on October 3 raised over $90,000 and the month-long Frocktober campaign with over 200 participants raised over $145,000. Thanks to the incredible support of our attendees and fundraisers we are confident that in 2026 we will be in a position to fund more research than ever.
