Australia has a proud history of excellence in psycho-oncology care and research. The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) and the Psycho-Oncology Cooperative Research Group (PoCoG) have fostered the field and ensured its place as part of multi-disciplinary cancer care. Consequently, our organisations are strong with many dedicated individuals contributing to ongoing development and excellence in the field. These Awards recognise outstanding contributions to psycho-oncology from among our members.
In 2019 we acknowledged our colleague, peer and good friend Melanie Price and named the Australian Psycho-Oncology Award in her honour.
In 2021 we are pleased to name the New Investigator Award in the honour of Professor Phyllis Butow in recognition of her leadership and generous mentoring of so many psycho-oncology researchers in Australia and internationally.
Nominations are now open for both Awards, closing Monday 25 October 2021.
Nominations should be emailed to cosa@cancer.org.au with the relevant Award title in the subject line, no later than the closing date.
NOMINATION INFORMATION
Melanie Price Psycho-Oncology Award
This Award recognises the highest level of contribution to psycho-oncology from amongst the membership of COSA and PoCoG.
Each Melanie Price Psycho-Oncology Award nomination should include:
- An explanation of the nominee’s work in the area of psycho-oncology care and/or research
- An evaluation of the accomplishments of the nominee
- Review and critical appraisal of the nominee’s work from two individuals.
Phyllis Butow New Investigator in Psycho-Oncology Award
This Award recognises research achievements and potential for an ongoing contribution to the discipline of psycho-oncology in Australia.
Each Phyllis Butow New Investigator in Psycho-oncology Award nomination should include:
- Nominee’s curriculum vitae, with details of specific completion dated of degrees and post-graduate training
- Letter of nomination specifying why the nominee meets the award description above
- Two letters of support from other individuals to whom the nominee is known, also specifying why the nominee meets the award description above
- Copies of up to four publications that represent the nominee’s research work
SELECTION CRITERIA
Melanie Price Psycho-Oncology Award
- Demonstrated excellence in their field
- Significant contribution to the discipline of psycho-oncology in Australia
- An inspirational role model for the psycho-oncology professional community
- Have worked in Australia in the field of psycho-oncology for a substantial period of time
- Membership of COSA and PoCoG
The selection panel will also give consideration to the following in assessing and comparing nominations against the above criteria:
- Personal, academic and professional achievements
- Contribution in the field (how has the nominee contributed to benefit others)
- Demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity
- Community involvement
- Future goals and likely impact
- Degree of difficulty of the achievement and sacrifices made
- Country of residence
- Previous awards and recognition
- Voluntary work beyond paid employment in the field of psycho-oncology
- Nature and length of activity or service
- Achievements as an individual or as part of a group or organisation
- Availability and commitment to promote national achievement in the field of psycho-oncology in Australia
Phyllis Butow New Investigator in Psycho-Oncology Award
- No more than five years from completion of post-graduate, fellowship or equivalent specialist training (PhD, DCP, MD or equivalent)
- Demonstrated excellence in their field
- Contribution to the discipline of psycho-oncology in Australia
- Have worked in Australia in the field of psycho-oncology
- Membership of COSA, OZPOS and PoCoG
Note: the award is linked to professional attainment rather than to age
The selection panel will also give consideration to the following in assessing and comparing nominations against the above criteria:
- Quality of research output in the field of psycho-oncology at early career stage
- Demonstrated innovation and creativity
- Community involvement
- Potential for future contribution and likely impact
- Country of residence
- Voluntary work beyond paid employment in the field of psycho-oncology
For further information about these awards please contact: Dr Laura Kirsten, Laura.Kirsten@health.nsw.gov.au, Chair, COSA Psycho-Oncology Group
