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 and lymphoma) trials. It is therefore imperative that clinical trials are initiated here in Australia.
Snowdome is exclusively focused 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.
We focus on research into genomics, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Snowdome has a strategic granting process that identifies key pillars to fight blood cancer including:
- > epigenetics – the chemical reactions that switch on/off genes;
- > genomics/ precision (personalised) medicine – matching the cancer’s mutations to a drug treatment;
- > immune therapies – boosting the immune system to fight cancers;
- > monoclonal antibodies – golden bullets that bind onto and kill the cancer cell;
- > pro-apoptotic agents – to make an immortal cell commit suicide and
- > targeting the microenvironment – making the cancer cell’s environment hostile to its growth.
the wilson centre for blood cancer genomics
Snowdome is proud to support The Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics.
The Centre, located at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, provides genomic testing for Australians diagnosed with blood cancer.
Genomic testing involves analysing a patient’s blood sample to look for critical gene mutations known to play a role in blood cancer. The results provide a more accurate diagnosis, leading to treatment that is personalised to patients and the genetic profile of the cancer, which can result in a better prognosis.
Over 4,700 free genomic tests have been undertaken at the Centre since it was established in 2017, and for some the results have been life-saving.
The Centre also undertakes cutting edge research into blood cancer treatment resistance, personalised medicine and genomic sequencing of blood cancers, led by globally respected researchers.
The Centre was made possible by the incredible generosity of the Wilson family, who have donated over $9 million. Christine Wilson diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Follicular Lymphoma in 1992, very sadly passed away in 2018, yet she and her family have built an enduring legacy for Australians diagnosed with blood cancer. We offer our heartfelt thanks to Christine and Bruce Wilson, their children Andrew, Pennie, James and their families for the continued support of Snowdome and the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics.

Epworth Centre for Immunotherapies and Snowdome Laboratories
Snowdome Foundation (Snowdome) and Epworth HealthCare (Epworth) are working in partnership to deliver the new, state-of-the-art facility - the Epworth Centre for Immunotherapies and Snowdome Laboratories.
This world-class Centre of Excellence in blood cancer treatment and care is committed to caring for those affected by blood cancer in a personalised and holistic way by increasing access to improved cancer treatments and contributing to the global progress of blood cancer treatments through the delivery of research, clinical trials, education and clinical expertise in immunotherapies.
The Centre is the first step in establishing a Cellular Therapies service including the pioneering form of immunotherapy - CAR-T cell therapy. Cellular therapies are one of the most revolutionary advances in the treatment of cancer in recent years.
The Epworth Centre for Immunotherapies and Snowdome Laboratories was made possible through a partnership of the Epworth Medical Foundation and Snowdome Foundation and is 100 per cent donor funded. We are proud to connect our donors with ground-breaking blood cancer treatment initiatives.
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. Find out more at www.australasianlymphomaalliance.org.au

Research we fund.
Since 2010, Snowdome Foundation has committed $52 million to world-class blood cancer research, funding 65 research projects and enabling more than 89 funded research positions. Our focus is on translational research, in which scientific findings are used to move new diagnostic tools and therapies into patient care. We have a keen interest in research that is driving precision therapy - genomic testing, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, and fund both laboratory research and clinical trials.
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