ANZTCT 2026 Scholarship Recipients: Learning, Connection and Patient Impact

Danielle attended both the Data Managers Workshop and the broader ASM program, describing the experience as “a great balance of practical learning and broader education.”

Through the workshop, she connected with Data Managers across Australia and New Zealand, gaining insight into how different centres approach data entry, registry reporting, and patient tracking. She shared:

“Discussions with colleagues from a variety of sites provided insight into different approaches to common challenges and generated ideas that may help improve and streamline some of our current processes.”

Danielle has already implemented improved formatting within her department’s internal transplant database, one of several practical changes inspired by the workshop. She is also exploring new tracking tools and developing a REDCap database to enhance data quality and patient monitoring. In addition, she is arranging site visits with Data Managers she met at the conference to review workflows and processes at other centres and identify further opportunities for improvement.

A standout moment for Danielle was Prof Nada Hamad’s presentation on allogeneic transplantation for sickle cell disease, which highlighted inequities in access to curative treatment and the importance of advocacy and policy change.

On a personal level, Danielle reflected on her mother’s experience with both allogeneic transplant and CAR‑T therapy:

“This scholarship was meaningful to me on a personal level and reinforced the importance of the work we do for patients and families within the transplant community.”

Anna attended the ANZTCT Scientific Meeting with a strong focus on expanding her clinical knowledge and strengthening her future Nurse Practitioner practice. She described the conference as an invaluable opportunity to deepen her understanding of transplantation, cellular therapies, and evidence‑based nursing care.

Anna’s key learnings included the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration across pharmacy, physiotherapy, medical teams, and nursing teams; the critical role of nurses in education, symptom management, and coordination of care; the need for nurses to remain up‑to‑date with emerging evidence and evolving treatment approaches; and the importance of early recognition of deterioration and improved clinical decision‑making.

“The conference highlighted the complex nature of patient care and the significant contribution nurses make through clinical assessment, education, early recognition of complications, symptom management and coordination of care.”

Anna has already begun applying learnings in her workplace, particularly around multidisciplinary models of care for CAR‑T patients. Over the next 12 months, Anna plans to strengthen her leadership, research involvement, and quality improvement skills as she progresses toward Nurse Practitioner practice.

Her message to donors captured the spirit of the scholarship program:

“Your commitment to foster our learning only strengthens our platform to deliver high‑quality care in real time.”

Julia attended the ANZTCT Annual Scientific Meeting with a strong focus on strengthening her technical expertise in transplant data management, CAR‑T reporting, and FACT accreditation requirements. She described the conference as an invaluable opportunity to deepen her understanding of how accurate, timely data supports clinical decision‑making and patient outcomes. 

A key highlight for Julia was learning more about the complexities of CAR‑T therapy reporting, particularly complications such as CRS and ICANS, and how clinicians identify and document these events. She shared: 

“Learning more about FACT quality management standards and how to collect data accurately for CAR‑T therapies was invaluable.” 

Julia also gained insights into improving equity in care, including how reduced barriers and better access pathways can support CALD populations to achieve optimal treatment outcomes. 

Since returning to Liverpool Hospital, Julia has already begun applying her learnings. She has identified opportunities to improve automation, streamline documentation processes, and strengthen evidence collection for FACT accreditation. Her discussions with colleagues have sparked several quality improvement ideas around registry reporting and data accuracy. 

Julia reflected on the broader impact of the scholarship, noting that attending the conference would not have been possible without financial support: 

“Working part‑time and being a single parent, I would not be able to afford the conference without receiving the scholarship.” 

Her message to donors was heartfelt: “Thank you kindly for your help — I will endeavour to apply my findings and information gained to my position.” 

Jillanne attended the ANZTCT ASM with a clear purpose: to strengthen the multidisciplinary prehabilitation model of care she has been instrumental in developing at The Wesley Hospital. As a dietitian working closely with haematology and transplant teams, she described the conference as an exceptional opportunity to learn from national experts and refine evidence‑based approaches to stem cell transplant patient preparation. 

Her key learnings centred on emerging research in stem cell transplantation, allied health collaboration, and the growing recognition of prehabilitation as a vital component of transplant readiness. Jillanne shared: 

“Attending the conference allowed me to liaise with clinicians from other centres who already provide or plan to provide a prehabilitation service.” 

The conference also supported her ongoing involvement with the ANZSCT Allied Health Special Interest Group and provided a platform to progress her draft abstract on Wesley Hospital’s new prehabilitation pathway — a model designed to improve nutritional status, physical function, and psychological resilience before transplant. 

Jillanne’s attendance was strongly supported by her organisation, with her manager noting her leadership in establishing a coordinated referral pathway for SCT prehabilitation. The scholarship enabled her to participate fully in the ASM, covering registration, flights, and accommodation. 

Her reflections emphasised both professional growth and patient impact: 

“Conference attendance will inform my ongoing clinical application of evidence‑based practice and help improve outcomes for patients undergoing stem cell transplant.” 

Her message to donors was one of sincere appreciation: 

“Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this travel scholarship”