TLDR: Dr. Jake Kendrick, a medical physicist at The University of Western Australia, has been named Cancer Council WA’s 2025 Early Career Cancer Researcher of the Year. The prestigious award recognizes his groundbreaking application of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer, with his research demonstrating AI’s ability to accurately assess treatment responses comparable to experienced clinicians. The award’s funding will support the translation of these AI tools from research into clinical practice.
Perth, Western Australia – Dr. Jake Kendrick, a distinguished medical physicist and researcher at The University of Western Australia, has been awarded the esteemed title of Cancer Council WA’s 2025 Early Career Cancer Researcher of the Year. This significant recognition highlights Dr. Kendrick’s pioneering efforts in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Cancer Council WA CEO, Ashley Reid, lauded Dr. Kendrick’s contributions, stating, “His work combines clinical expertise with powerful new technology, and it could significantly improve survival outcomes for men living with prostate cancer.” Reid further emphasized the transformative potential of this research, noting that “Dr Kendrick’s research had the potential to reshape how clinicians assess and treat advanced prostate cancer.”
Dr. Kendrick’s innovative research primarily focuses on employing AI to meticulously analyze imaging scans. His studies have yielded compelling results, demonstrating that AI can accurately evaluate a patient’s response to treatment, achieving outcomes on par with those of highly experienced clinicians. This breakthrough promises more precise and personalized care for patients battling prostate cancer.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Kendrick remarked, “It’s a privilege to be recognised by Cancer Council WA, especially for work that has such clear clinical potential.” He underscored the critical role of the award’s financial support, adding, “This funding from this award gives me the momentum to move our AI tools from research into practice, so patients receive more timely, personalised treatment.” Driven by a personal connection to the disease, Dr. Kendrick shared, “Cancer affects so many-including my own family-and the possibility that my research could improve care for others is what drives me every day. I offer my heartfelt thanks to Cancer Council WA’s donors and supporters. Your generosity allows researchers like me to pursue ideas that can genuinely make a difference.”
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This award is part of Cancer Council WA’s broader commitment to advancing cancer research. In the 2024/2025 period, the organization, in collaboration with its partners, contributed over $3.5 million to cancer research initiatives across Western Australia. This figure includes a substantial $840,000 from the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Co-Funding Partnerships Program, underscoring the collective effort to combat cancer.
