Community Insights into Melanoma Research
An evening of melanoma research, discovery and community
Thank you for being part of the Melanoma Research Victoria (MRV) community. We invite you to a special evening that brings together MRV participants, melanoma survivors, families, community, consumers, clinicians, researchers, and scientists united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by melanoma.
This is an opportunity to see the impact of your contribution to research. Hear from the researchers using the data and biospecimens generously donated by MRV participants and learn how these contributions are helping drive new discoveries.
Throughout the evening, you will:
Explore the latest developments in melanoma research from Victoria and around the world.
Discover how MRV has supported impactful research projects over the past 12 months.
Learn how consumers are partnering with researchers.
Take part interactive panel discussion exploring the question:
Is AI ready to outperform the professionals, and can we trust AI in medicine?
A highlight of the evening, as always will be the presentation of the Morgan Mansell Young Victorian Melanoma Researcher of the Year Award. Hear from this year's finalists and join us for the announcement of the 2026 winner. This award honors the memory of Morgan Mansell, whose passion for supporting melanoma research continues to inspire the next generation of researchers.
Whether you are an MRV participant, melanoma survivor, carer, researcher, or clinician we invite you to join us for an evening of learning and conversation about the future of melanoma research.
This event is free to attend however registrations are essential.
We look forward to sharing our work with you.
Lineup
Dr Karin Innes
MRV Governance Member Consumer Representative and event Chair, Dr Innes is a Biotechnology Patent Attorney and strategist and will be event Chair.
Dr Miles Andrews
Consultant Medical Oncologist and Head of Immuno-oncology at The Alfred, and Research Fellow at Monash University. Dr Andrews is the clinical lead for melanoma registry projects through the Personalised Oncology Division at WEHI and is actively involved with cancer trials of the skin, chest and head & neck.
Dr Noor E Karishma Shaik
An academic researcher at the University of Melbourne, Dr Shaik is the founder of DeepDerm, a Melbourne-based health technology company developing AI-powered tools to help clinicians detect skin cancer earlier and more accurately. She is passionate about translating cutting-edge imaging and artificial intelligence research into practical solutions that improve melanoma detection and patient care.
Peter Gourlay
MRV Consumer Advisor, Peter is an active patient advocate holding positions on the Peter Mac's Community Advisory Committee, Human Research Ethics Committee, Clinical Ethics Advisory Group and is one of four consumer facilitators involved int he our Thoughts Matter program. He has a professional background in education, project management, consumer engagement and social justice, and these days he enjoys being a Civil Celebrant. He is a proud gay man and is a member of Peter Mac’s Pride Network. At home he enjoys a busy life with Bernie, his partner of 25 years.
Dr George Au-Yeung
A Medical Oncologist and Clinician Researcher at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Dr Au-Yeung has a research interest in molecular biology of ovarian cancer as well as running novel biomarker driven clinical trials and translational research. He is also the current co-Deputy Director of Medical Oncology, and the co-Chief Medical Informatics Officer, overseeing portfolios including trainee education and wellbeing, optimisation of the electronic medical record, and supporting the digital health strategy.
Alison Button-Sloan
MRV Consumer Advisor, Alison has 10 years’ advocacy experience, is a stage II melanoma survivor, and has had basal and squamous cell carcinomas. She is a member of many consumer and research organisations, including the Cancer Council (Australia) Melanoma Guidelines Management Committee, Australian Melanoma and Skin Cancer Alliance and the Victorian Cancer Registry. She has co-authored journal articles with leading clinicians and is an experienced associate investigator on studies and clinical trials.
Prof Mark Shackleton
Director of Oncology in the Alfred Care Group of Bayside Health, Professor Shackleton is the Head of the Department of Cancer Medicine at Monash University, a Co-Director of the Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium, and Chair of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials Ltd.. His clinical interests include cutaneous oncology, melanoma, molecular oncology, immuno-oncology, early phase clinical trials, and addressing inequities in health service delivery. His laboratory studies melanocyte and melanoma biology, cancer genomics, and the causes and consequences of cancer heterogeneity.
FAQs
- Who should attend this event?
This community event is designed for MRV participants, patients, survivors, carers, melanoma consumer representatives, researchers, clinicians, students, staff from collaborating sites, peak bodies, advisory groups, partner organizations and anyone committed to improving melanoma outcomes!
- Can I ask questions?
Absolutely. There will be opportunity throughout the evening to ask questions.
- Will this event be catered?
Yes. Light refreshments will be provided prior to the commencement of the event from 5PM.
- Will I receive a calender invitation?
A calendar invitation will be included in your confirmation email.
- Accessibility requirements.
This venue is wheelchair accessible and there is accessible parking available the Peter Mac carpark. Visit for more information Peter Mac Melbourne campus - Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
- Will be available online?
Whilst you are encouraged to attend in person to experience the interactive nature of the program, the event will be available via Teams for those joining from home. Select the online option when registering and a link will be sent to your email.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
