The Australian Melanoma Research Foundation gratefully acknowledges the generous support of LEK Consulting, whose commitment to advancing melanoma research has made a meaningful impact through the funding of named research awards in both 2022 and 2023.
These awards have supported innovative projects aimed at improving the diagnosis and understanding of melanoma, contributing to better outcomes for patients across Australia.
In 2023, the LEK Consulting Award was granted to Dr Rachel Teh of The University of Sydney for her research into the identification of protein signatures and the use of scarless skin biopsies to improve melanoma diagnosis. Her work explores a non-invasive technique using adhesive tape to collect skin samples, allowing proteins to be analysed for signatures that can distinguish melanoma in suspicious moles. This approach aims to reduce the number of unnecessary surgical removals of benign moles, improve early detection of melanoma, and provide a more accessible diagnostic tool -particularly for patients in rural and remote communities.
Through collaboration with the Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID), Dr Teh and her team have already collected hundreds of samples and are progressing towards validating this technique as a reliable diagnostic tool.
In 2022, the award was presented to Dr Prachi Bhave of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for her research into the melanoma tumour microenvironment using novel spatial transcriptomics methodologies. Her project focuses on early-stage melanoma, which represents the majority of new diagnoses, and seeks to better understand why some melanomas recur after surgery despite appearing low risk.
By using advanced technologies to map the cellular environment within and surrounding tumours, this research aims to identify factors linked to recurrence and ultimately help prevent the progression to advanced disease.
Dr Bhave’s work has also been recognised more broadly, including being named the 2022 Young Victorian Melanoma Researcher of the Year.
In addition to funding these awards, LEK Consulting has also provided ongoing support through its annual LEK Invitational Golf Days. These events have become a valued part of the Foundation’s fundraising calendar, bringing together partners and supporters to raise both awareness and vital funds for melanoma research.
The Australian Melanoma Research Foundation sincerely thanks LEK Consulting for their continued partnership and support. Their investment in research is helping to drive important advances in melanoma detection, treatment, and prevention, and supports the researchers working towards better outcomes for all Australians.