The National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC) is a standing committee of the Cancer Society of New Zealand Board

The National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC)  provides expert advice to the Cancer Society of New Zealand Board about cancer research, including recommendations to the Board on the funding of research proposals in the National Research Grant funding rounds.

Interested in being a Member of the National Scientific Advisory Committee?

The Cancer Society is seeking to appoint new members of the National Scientific Advisory Committee. If you are interested, check out this document for more information and how to apply: NSAC New Members 2025

Applications are due 5 pm Wednesday 16 April. 

Please email the Research Manager, Dr Nicole Stanton at research@cancer.org.nz if you have any questions. 

Members of the National Scientific Advisory Committee

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Melanie McConnell - nsac chair

Associate Professor in Genetics, Victoria University of Wellington - Te Herenga Waka

Area of Expertise: Cancer genetics; gene expression; cancer cell biology; cell biology of stress responses; mitochondria in therapy resistance; brain tumour glioblastoma; melanoma; breast cancer.

University Bio

https://www.victoria.ac.nz/sbs/about/staff/melanie-mcconnell

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR george laking (te whakatōhea)

Medical Oncologist, Director - University Research Centre for Cancer Research University of Auckland

Area of Expertise: Sarcoma; lung cancer; Electronic Cigarettes; Tobacco control; Māori health; Medicines policy; Health economics; AYA oncology

University Bio: 

https://unidirectory.auckland.ac.nz/profile/g-laking 

dr kate gregory - medical director csnz

Medical Oncologist based in Nelson Marlborough

Area of Expertise: Breast & Gynaecological cancer. Cancer Survivorship. Palliative Care.

Professor GABI DAchs

Research Professor, University of Otago (Christchurch campus)

Area of Expertise: Tumour hypoxia; Vitamin C; Chemotherapy; Breast cancer; Colorectal cancer; Kidney cancer; Radiation therapy

University Bio:

https://www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch/departments/pathology/people/gabi-dachs.html 

Dr Moana Tercel

Senior Research Fellow, Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland

Area of Expertise: Medicinal chemistry; organic synthesis; anticancer drug development; drug design; tumour hypoxia

University Bio: 

https://unidirectory.auckland.ac.nz/profile/m-tercel 

Dr Sharon Pattison

Senior Lecturer and Medical Oncologist, University of Otago

Area of Expertise: Gastrointestinal cancers; neuroendocrine tumours; prognostic and predictive variables

University Bio: 

https://www.otago.ac.nz/medical-school/people/expertise/profile/index.html?id=2352 

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR KATHRYN BRADBURY

Associate Professor Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Auckland

Area of Expertise: cancer epidemiology, food and nutrition, colorectal cancer, population health

University Bio: https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/k-bradbury

Last updated: March 25, 2025