UoW cancer researcher named for prestigious award  

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA: The University of Wollongong's Targeted Cancer Therapeutics Research Laboratory third-year Phd researcher Elahe Minaei, has been named one of five finalists for the prestigious Rising Researcher Award, for her pioneering research in pancreatic cancer treatment.
Minaei is developing an innovative approach to cancer therapy that uses targeted drug delivery systems to mobilize the immune system against tumours while sparing healthy cells. 
Using advanced immunotherapy, she compares immune cells to soldiers in a battle against cancer. However, with aggressive cancers like pancreatic, these immune "soldiers" often fail to detect the malignant cells.
"Think of the immune system as sending 'give up' signals out of exhaustion," Minaei explains. "My research aims to reinvigorate these immune cells and guide them directly to the tumour, employing uniquely designed, biocompatible, and biodegradable implantable devices I've created with 3D printing technology."
This targeted approach could localize treatment by creating an immune response at the site of the tumour. Early research results show promise, with hopes this localized method may improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
Minaei's communication skills have also earned her recognition beyond her lab. She recently won both the overall and people’s choice awards at the University of Wollongong’s Three-Minute Thesis competition, where she presented her work in an engaging, concise format.
As a Rising Researcher Award finalist, organized by global biotech company Promega, Minaei is rallying public support through online voting, with the winner set to receive a trip to Promega’s headquarters in Wisconsin, USA, to present their research to the R&D team.
"I’m passionate about making science accessible and relatable," says Minaei. "I aim not only to push forward cancer treatments but to bridge the gap between complex science and the public through storytelling."
Inspired by prominent science communicators like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Minaei strives to demystify science, enhancing public understanding of cancer research’s critical role. 
"Winning the Grand Prize would open doors for collaboration with top scientists, accelerating advancements in cancer treatment,” she hopes, emphasizing the potential impact of her work on patients’ lives.