Dr Matt Dun

Dr Matt Dun is Team Leader of the Cancer Signalling Research Group (CSRG) at the Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle. Matt is an experienced cancer cell biologist with an active research program focused on improving the treatment of a number of high-risk children’s cancers including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL), and identifying new biomarkers for breast, colorectal and prostate cancers.His targeted anti-cancer research is complemented by a program of discovery research focused on furthering understandings into how common gene mutations regulate growth, survival and proliferation of cancer cells. Teamed with sophisticated technologies in protein sequencing, Matt is focused on closing the very large gap that currently exists between cancer genomics and proteomics with his research program helping to identify new bona fide biomarkers for the development of new-targeted therapies to treat cancer.

When his world was turned upside down in February 2018, with Josie’s diagnosis, Matt immediately set up a DIPG research program at the HMRI and University of Newcastle and enlisted a team of researchers, all funded by friends and family willing to contribute and to pull on their runners to join him in RUN DIPG.

Dr Ryan Duchatel

Dr Ryan Duchatel is a post-doctoral research fellow in the Cancer Signalling Research Group working under the supervision of Dr Matt Dun.

Ryan began working for Dr Dun in 2017, honing his cancer research skills, whilst completing his PhD in experimental pharmacology (2018). Ryan’s thesis examined the biology of schizophrenia. This unique combination of neuroscience and cancer biology expertise made him an ideal candidate to work alongside Matt and to try and make a difference for children fighting DIPG. Ryan is experienced in developing and using preclinical models to help in the development of new treatments for DIPG. Ryan will continue to utilise his skills under Dr Matt Dun and also by working in the laboratory of field leading paediatric neuro-oncologist from Stanford University A/Prof Michelle Monje who collaborating with Matt and Ryan. Ryan’s work is focused testing new therapeutics for the treatment of DIPG, in particular, testing novel drugs that cross the blood brain barrier, and also working on the gene mutations that cause DIPG).