Research
Young researcher – and childhood cancer survivor – awarded grant to tackle global gaps in cancer support for young people
Canteen is proud to announce that Clarissa Schilstra, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Behavioural Sciences Unit within the School of Clinical Medicine at UNSW, has been awarded the 2025 Professor Ian Olver AM Psycho-Oncology Research Acceleration Grant for Early Career Researchers.
The grant, established in honour of esteemed psycho-oncology leader Professor Ian Olver AM, recognises and supports bold new research directions that improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) affected by cancer. Dr Schilstra’s project, ‘Developing global policy priorities to bridge disparities in psychosocial outcomes of AYA cancer survivors across high, middle and low-income countries’, will address a critical gap in understanding and supporting the lived experiences of young cancer survivors worldwide.
“We are thrilled to support Dr Schilstra’s important work through this grant,” said Siona Hardy, CEO of Canteen. “Her personal experience and professional passion bring a powerful perspective to the global challenges faced by young people living with and beyond cancer. This research will help ensure that psychosocial support is a priority for AYAs – not just in high-income countries, but everywhere.”
“Canteen’s support services are grounded in evidence – and that evidence comes from our world-class research and evaluation team,” Ms Hardy added. “Every study we undertake is driven by a single purpose: to improve and transform the lives of young people impacted by cancer.”
Diagnosed with leukaemia as a toddler and again as a teenager, Dr Schilstra’s lived experience profoundly shaped her career. With no access to psychosocial support during her own treatment, she has spent the past 15 years determined to ensure no other young person has to navigate cancer feeling alone and unsupported.
Now based in Australia at UNSW Sydney, Dr Schilstra’s research will engage survivor-advocates and community leaders from countries across Africa and South America to ensure the voices of AYAs in low- and middle-income countries are heard understood and represented in future global health policy.
“Receiving this grant is incredibly meaningful – both personally and professionally,” Dr Schilstra’s said.
“As a teenager, I often felt forgotten. This grant allows me to partner with fellow survivors and researchers around the world to create research that is truly by AYAs, for AYAs. It’s the start of something I hope will lead to real change.”
Professor Ian Olver AM praised the intent of the grant and its inaugural recipient:
“Psycho-oncology is a vital aspect of supportive care in cancer to improve lives. Dr Schilstra’s work will enhance that capability and highlights the importance of collaborative, inclusive global research, so that all may benefit. I am honoured that this grant is helping launch such promising research.”
The Professor Ian Olver AM Psycho-Oncology Research Acceleration Grant is a collaboration between Canteen, Teen Cancer America, and the Teenage Cancer Trust (UK) under the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Global Accord. Submissions for the 2025 grant came from around the world, reflecting the growing international momentum behind psychosocial care for young cancer patients.
At its core, the grant aims to accelerate meaningful change, foster global connections, and build a future where every young person affected by cancer – regardless of where they live – has access to the support they need to survive and thrive.
