The Science Behind Hope - Translating cancer research into conversations that matter

Translating cancer research into conversations that matter

When: Thu, 19 Nov, 9am–2pm AEDT
Where: Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, L5 Education Centre

Featuring: Award-winning journalist Leigh Sales AM and
NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer Dr Darren Saunders

This year we are delighted to welcome award-winning journalist, author and broadcaster Leigh Sales AM as keynote speaker at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Research Symposium 2026.

In her keynote, ‘Blindsides, resilience and what happens on the worst day of our lives,’ Leigh will explore how people navigate uncertainty and adversity, and what we can learn from the conversations that matter most when life changes without warning.

Joining Leigh as a keynote speaker is Dr Darren Saunders, NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer and Executive Director of the Office of the NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer, and Adjunct Associate Professor in Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney.

Hosted by the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Research Faculty, this half-day symposium will bring together researchers, clinicians, patients and our wider community to explore The Science Behind Hope, showcasing the research taking place at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and translating complex scientific and clinical discoveries into conversations that are accessible, meaningful and relevant to the people whose lives they seek to change.