On October 31, 2025, Pankind will host its third annual Scientific Meeting. Building on the success of our 2024 event, we're excited to bring you another action-packed program with a global focus, showcasing key insights and international perspectives.
The Road to Treatment
This year our theme is The Road to Treatment, underscoring the process of turning promising scientific discoveries into effective treatments. In recent years, significant strides have been made, with advancements in understanding the disease's underlying biology, the development and trial of targeted therapies, and the exploration of novel drug combinations. The theme emphasises the challenges, innovations, and collaborative efforts needed to make this science a reality for pancreatic cancer patients.
Plenary speakers
We're thrilled to welcome two global leaders to our plenary session: Dr. Eileen O’Reilly from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, and Dr. Andrew Lowy from the University of California, San Diego. Both Dr O'Reilly and Dr Lowy are also key members of our Scientific Advisory Panel, read on for their bios.
This year's meeting will include clinical sessions, alongside new and targeted treatment and early detection research sessions. See below for more details.
Date
Friday, 31 October 2025
Location
Swissotel
Blaxland Ballroom
Level 8
68 Market Street
Sydney NSW 2000
October 31, 2025
Blaxland Ballroom
Level 8
68 Market Street
Sydney NSW 2000
October 31, 2025
Meet our speakers
Dr Eileen O'Reilly
New York
Dr O’Reilly is a Medical Oncologist and clinical researcher whose work focuses on the integration of molecular and genetic-based therapies into the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Her research includes the development of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies and the identification of biomarkers to guide treatment selection. She is the Principal Investigator on multiple phase I, II, and III clinical trials in pancreatic cancer and has authored and co-authored more than 400 publications. Dr O'Reilly holds several national leadership roles in the United States, including Chair of the Alliance GI Committee and is a member of the NCI GI Steering Committee.
Dr Andrew Lowy
San Diego
Dr Lowy is a surgical oncologist with clinical and research expertise in pancreatic cancer. He is recognised internationally for his contributions to the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer and for his work on developing and evaluating novel therapeutic approaches for advanced abdominal cancers. Dr. Lowy is on the editorial board of the Annals of Surgical Oncology and is the co-chair of the National Cancer Institute’s Pancreatic Cancer Task Force. He serves as the surgical principal investigator in the largest pancreatic cancer clinical trial ever conducted in the United States.
Meeting Program
The program has been designed by a dedicated organising committee
| Friday 31 October 2025 | |
| 8:30 - 9:00 | Arrival and Registration |
| 9:00 - 9:10 | Welcome and Introductions |
| 9:10 - 10:00 | Plenary Session: Global Insights; Advancing Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Dr Eileen O'Reilly - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA Pancreas Cancer 2025: New and Emerging Therapies Dr Andrew Lowy - University of California, San Diego, USA Reimagining Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer |
10:00 - 11:00 | Session 1: Clinical Impact Prof David Thomas - Omico |
| 11:00 - 11:30 | Morning Tea / Posters |
11:30 - 12:30 | Session 2: New Treatments and Target Therapies Prof Andrew Scott - Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute Targeting the tumour microenvironment in pancreatic cancer Prof Claudine Bonder - University of South Australia Dr Shona Ritchie - Garvan Institute of Medical Research |
| 12:30 -13:15 | Session 3: Early Detection Dr Jean Winter - Flinders University Dr Ying Zhu - University of Technology Sydney |
| 13:15 - 14:15 | Lunch Break |
14:15 - 15:00 | Panel Discussion Emerging Therapies: What's Next and What's Beyond |
| 15:00 - 15:45 | Afternoon Tea / Posters |
15:45 - 17:00 | Session 4: Selected New Concepts |
17:00 - 17:20 | Closing Remarks and Discussion |
17:30 - 19:00 | Networking Drinks All attendees. Blaxland Ballroom, Swissotel |
Abstracts
This year, we’re pleased to invite abstract submissions for poster presentations and pancreatic cancer new concepts.
Poster Abstracts: posters will be presented in person during scheduled break times. To submit a poster abstract, please download the template, follow the abstract instructions, and note that no other file types will be accepted.
New Concept Proposals
NEW CONCEPTS IS BACK AGAIN FOR 2025!
This segment of the meeting is designed to introduce and discuss fresh ideas, innovative strategies, or emerging trends related to Pancreatic Cancer. This aims to stimulate creative thinking, encourage collaboration, and explore novel approaches.
These sessions are designed to be dynamic and engaging, fostering an environment where the audience feels inspired to think outside the box and contribute to the evolution of the field.
This session will provide an opportunity for researchers to present new concepts, ideas, and potential projects for feedback and discussion with the pancreatic cancer community.
New Concepts Eligibility Criteria
- Defined as translational or clinical research
- Contribution to an area of unmet need in pancreatic cancer
- Are NEW concepts which have not been previously funded
- Are in a stage of planning or early development.
Process
- Expressions of Interest (EOI) will be accepted from all researchers.
- The deadline for EOI’s is Monday, August 11.
- Please download the EOI Template. No other file types will be accepted.
- Concept submissions will be peer reviewed
- Select concepts will be chosen for presentation during the New Concepts Session
- The successful proposal accepted for presentation will be notified in advance of the meeting
- An expert reviewer (member of the judging panel) will provide live feedback, and the leader of the new concept will have a chance to respond
- Following the presentation, delegates will then be invited to provide comments, and the presenter will have an opportunity to respond.
- One concept will have the opportunity to be selected for a financial contribution for further protocol development, scientific planning, and gathering of pilot data. The awarded concept will receive recognition for its innovation and potential impact on pancreatic cancer research.
- If your proposal is selected, you are required to attend the Pankind Scientific Meeting in person to present in the dedicated session.
- Accepted abstracts will also be published on electronic media and in hard copy if it is accepted for presentation.
Note: Please email submissions to [email protected]
Please contact us with any questions. The submission deadline is Monday August 11.
2024 Scientific Meeting Highlights
Last year's meeting brought together over 120 researchers from all over the country to share advancements and insights in pancreatic cancer. Sessions focused on topics such as Translational Research, New Treatments & Targeted Therapies and Early Detection. Many of the country’s brightest minds took to the stage, discussing their research progress, challenges and emerging opportunities to shift outcomes for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
We look forward to seeing you there!
If you need more information or you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Pankind team: [email protected].
pankind.org.au
© Pankind The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.
(A charitable company limited by Guarantee)
2024. All Rights Reserved. ABN: 22 145 513 060
© Pankind The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.
(A charitable company limited by Guarantee)
2024. All Rights Reserved. ABN: 22 145 513 060