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pink horizon
research strategy
Since the establishment of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) we have seen remarkable results from breast cancer research.
Despite great progress, more than 3,300 people die from breast cancer each year in Australia, and this number continues to rise.
Every life lost is one life too many.
Hope is on the horizon.
we are driven by one bold vision: zero deaths from breast cancer
Our research has four core objectives focused on ending deaths from breast cancer.
Our objectives are underpinned by the need to minimise harm and maximise impact.
NBCF has a vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Our pioneering five-year Research Strategy supports a diverse yet connected portfolio of research at a scale of investment that matches the boldness of our vision. Through targeted and sustained funding, and a commitment to collaboration and impact, we will enable and accelerate the innovative research needed to end deaths from breast cancer.
“This research strategy provides hope that there will come a time when a diagnosis of breast cancer no longer means a life shortened or diminished.”
– Dr Lisa Vaccaro, diagnosed 2013
Our funding model aims to support a connected portfolio of ambitious and transformational research to address intractable questions and accelerate progress towards our vision.
Collaborative Research Accelerator Grants
Significant, recurrent funding
Fosters an ecosystem of multiple diverse research teams, at all career stages, to address critical questions through a connected suite of research activity at the pace and scale that reflects the urgency of achieving our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
2025 CRA Round Now Closed
Research Projects Grants
Annual funding
Support for investigator-initiated research projects to build Australia's breast cancer research pipeline that addresses research questions with a clear line of sight to Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
2025 RPG Round Now Closed
Pink Sky Grants
Intermittent merit-based funding
Support high-risk, high-reward research projects with significant paradigm shifting potential to revolutionise approaches to combating breast cancer.
“Our singular focus on achieving our vision requires us to think beyond small, short-term projects. Through this strategy we are providing significant, sustained funding to increase the scale and catalyse the research needed to answer the critical questions to achieving Zero Deaths.”
- Adjunct Professor Helen Zorbas AO, NBCF Board Chair
“The NBCF Pink Horizon Research Strategy is the culmination of a process of broad consultation. It is informed by evidence, scientific and clinical expertise, lived-experience perspectives and strategic insight. This bold strategy to enable our vision will be achieved through sector-wide collaboration. A leading approach that complements existing cancer research funding in Australia.”
– Professor Ross Hannan and Professor Grant McArthur AO,
NBCF Board members and Research Advisory Commitee Co-Chairs
ENABLING OUR RESEARCH
We support and leverage research infrastructure and encourage ways of working that enable contemporary research and its translation.
“Collaboration is at the heart of our strategy. Our funding comes with an expectation that researchers at all stages of their careers will participate as active members of the breast cancer community, helping build momentum, optimism and hope. In return we commit to measuring and sharing our progress and impact openly and regularly.”
– Associate Professor Cleola Anderiesz, NBCF Chief Executive Officer
