Peter Mac’s global leadership recognised at the American Academy of Cancer Research Annual Meeting
2 min read 28 April 2026
Peter Mac’s Professor Jeanne Tie and Professor Phil Darcy have been recognised as international leaders in their research fields, with the American Academy of Cancer Research (AACR) inviting them to present at a prestigious plenary session and a special session.
The AACR held in San Diego from April 17-22, is regarded as the world’s premier cancer research conference, bringing together more than 20,000 scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders to share the latest discoveries across the full spectrum of cancer science.
Professor Tie gave a plenary lecture entitled ‘Minimal residual disease (MRD)-directed treatment strategies in colorectal cancer’, an area for which she is well regarded.
In a special session focused on the next generation of CAR T-cell therapies, Professor Darcy discussed his lab’s innovative work to create precision-targeted CAR T-cells.
Professor Jayesh Desai, Associate Director of Clinical Research at Peter Mac, said that it was a fantastic recognition of Professors Tie and Darcy’s global leadership in their respective areas.
“Presenting at the AACR places research and researchers from Peter Mac on a global stage, alongside leading institutions from North America, Europe, and Asia,” he said.
“It was also great recognition for Professor Sherene Loi and Associate Professor Shom Goel to be invited speakers at a session focused on the Latest Advances in Translational Research from the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.”
Continuing in his role as co-Chair of the Clinical Trials Program, Professor Desai was honoured to be the only person outside North America to hold such an important role.
Executive Director of Cancer Research, Professor Ricky Johnstone, explained that these meetings are critical for Peter Mac in further cementing our reputation as global leaders and innovators in cancer research.
“Many international collaborations are initiated or strengthened at AACR, making it a strategic venue for building global research partnerships,” he said.
“AACR often showcases research that is moving toward clinical trials or applications, reinforcing the link between discovery science and patient outcomes, which we do so well at Peter Mac.”