what we fund.
International evidence shows patients have better outcomes on a clinical trial but unfortunately, due to our small population, Australian patients are rarely included in blood cancer (leukaemia, myeloma & lymphoma) trials. It is therefore imperative that clinical trials are initiated here in Australia.
Snowdome is the only not for profit organisation that is exclusively focussed on raising funds to support translational research into blood cancers, accelerating access to next-generation treatments for Australian patients to help them live longer, better lives.
Over 85% of Snowdome’s available funds have been invested in cutting-edge research. Snowdome’s focus is to identify the right blood cancer patient for the right drugs.
Snowdome has a strategic granting process that identifies key pillars to fight blood cancer including:
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> epigenetics – the chemical reactions that switch on/off genes;
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> genomics/ precision (personalised) medicine – matching the cancer’s mutations to a drug treatment;
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> immune therapies – boosting the immune system to fight cancers;
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> monoclonal antibodies – golden bullets that bind onto and kill the cancer cell;
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> pro-apoptotic agents – to make an immortal cell commit suicide and
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> targeting the microenvironment – making the cancer cell’s environment hostile to its growth.
the wilson centre for blood cancer genomics
An incredibly generous donation from Christine and Bruce Wilson of $5.5 million to Snowdome in 2017 led to the development of the state-of-the-art centre for genomic testing at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Genomic testing involves analysing a patient’s blood sample to look for critical gene mutations that are known to play a role in their particular blood cancer. The results of the test provide a more accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment journey. Sixty percent of tests provide a clinically relevant finding. That is a corrected diagnosis, an altered prognosis or a different course of treatment. For some the results are literally life saving.

blood cancer research western australia
With the generosity of Snowdome, Blood Cancer Research WA was established in April 2018 under the leadership of Associate Professor Chan Cheah. The centre aims to bring blood cancer trials to the west enabling Western Australian patients to access potentially life-saving treatments right at home. The number of patients accessing trials has increased dramatically and the wait time to access a trial has decreased since the inception of Blood Cancer Research WA.

australasian lymphoma alliance
Snowdome is proud to be a supporter of The Australasian Lymphoma Alliance (ALA), a working party of clinicians focused on retrospective clinical data analysis & tissue research, guideline development, facilitation of case-based discussions and information sharing within the lymphoma community. It offers the community a peak body of experts with a dedicated interest in lymphoma who work with organisations to promote, facilitate and engage in improving outcomes for lymphoma patients.

women in lymphoma
Snowdome is proud to be a supporter of Women in Lymphoma (WiL). Formed in mid-2019, WiL is an international network of female professional peers engaged in the treatment and research of lymphoma. This global alliance of lymphoma clinicians and researchers provides support and advocacy for greater leadership of women in lymphoma research. Believing that “where there’s a WiL there’s a way”, WiL is committed to advancing collaborative and meaningful contributions to lymphoma research, teaching and patient care globally from its membership base.

Research we fund.
Since 2010, Snowdome Foundation has extended 52 grants enabling more than 71 funded research positions. Over 85% of Snowdome’s available funds have been committed to cutting-edge research. Snowdome’s focus on multi-year funding has ensured research trials, biomarkers and projects have run to completion and are supporting Australian blood cancer patients.
call for grants.


funding criteria.
Research projects need to be aligned with Snowdome’s mission, vision and values. The project should be cutting-edge and aim to improve the outcomes of Australians living with blood cancers to help them lead healthy, longer lives.
Researchers are encouraged to register to find out about upcoming research grant opportunities.
The research project should:
deliver new therapies to blood cancer patients in the foreseeable future
involve Australian researchers in Australia or living overseas and involve new therapies that are part of the ‘new pillars’ for therapy
have quantifiable outcomes and reasonable milestones, set and agreed upon in advance
encourage research (clinical or laboratory) that identifies patients that are likely to benefit from new therapies (that exist now/foreseeable future)
The research project shouldn’t:
be research equipment
be basic research that does not eventuate into clinical treatments in the foreseeable future
predominantly involve supportive care, psycho-social support, housing, transport