Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre |Annual Report 2017–18 LEADERS IN CANCER STRATEGY The Leaders in Cancer Strategy program highlights the key role of the University of Melbourne in the VCCC alliance. To date 19 academic appointments – 12 Chairs and seven academic fellowships – have been made through the program. These positions support the retention and development of research talent in key cancer disciplines. NEW CHAIR OF CANCER HEALTH Professor Maarten IJzerman, SERVICES RESEARCH Chair of Cancer Health Services Research In May 2018, following an extensive international search, health services and technology expert, “Professor IJzerman’s Professor Maarten J. IJzerman was appointed Chair understanding of molecular of Cancer Health Services Research. This prestigious position was established by the University of diagnostics and health Melbourne and Western Health, as part of their contribution to the VCCC Leaders in Cancer Strategy. economic modelling is Existing health data provides a rich source of strategically important to information to develop integration for Victoria’s delivering innovative systems health and medical research. Professor IJzerman will drive a cutting-edge program that will build and new technologies to analytical capability for data-driven research, facilitating data sharing; bringing together data cancer care for the VCCC sciences and clinical expertise. alliance and beyond.” The Chair is based in the Centre for Health Policy in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Professor Grant McArthur Health within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry Executive Director and Health Services (MDHS). Professor IJzerman will lead health services research to produce new knowledge on existing healthcare systems to develop improvements in access to value- based cancer health services. His research program will focus on health outcomes for cancer patients by integrating multidisciplinary research findings and evidence-based interventions into healthcare policy and practice. Professor IJzerman is continuing his collaborations with European research institutions. 24