ADSA PhD Medical Research Scholarship

ADSA Patron Robert Vojakovic has always advocated that saving lives through medical treatment would avoid the loss of precious time with family and the high costs of lengthy litigation.

Saving lives has been the highest priority of the ADSA, with our organisation at the forefront of raising awareness and funds for medical research and advocacy since 1984. The Asbestos Diseases Research Fund raises money for medical, allied health, legal, historical, and advocacy research.

What is a PhD Scholarship?

A PhD Scholarship represents 3 years of dedication to a project approved project by the ADSA Committee, NCARD, and/or select universities. The first PhD Scholarship into mesothelioma treatment was developed in conjunction with the University of Western Australia.

The successful recipient, Oncologist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Dr Melvin Chin, undertook his research under the supervision of Professor Anna Nowak and the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD). Our aim is to ensure we get the best candidates and research outcomes that support and benefit the wellbeing of patients and the community.

Donate to the scholarship fund

The Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia (ADSA) is Australia’s leading health association dedicated to persons affected by dust diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, silicosis, lung cancer, and associated mental health injuries.

Professor Bill Musk AM Respiratory Specialist

Following his passing in November 2021, a scholarship was named in remembrance of Professor Bill Musk AM. This beloved specialist was a great friend to the ADSA and its members for almost 40 years. He was committed to Public Health and the role it must play in protecting the life of all Australians, caring for patients daily while working diligently to build a body of occupational health and safety data, which is still relied upon today.

Dr Melvin Chin PhD

Dr Chin is the only treating Oncologist in WA with a PhD in mesothelioma treatments. For a referral, please contact out office 9344 4077.

Over the past 6 years, Dr Chin has been working with the NCARD team in the world-leading drive to advance mesothelioma treatment and ultimately engineer a cure. His research aims to help mesothelioma patients make more informed decisions regarding their treatment options.

In 2017, Dr Melvin Chin – a treating Oncologist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital – was awarded the inaugural ADSA PhD Medical Research Scholarship. Dr Chin is a research expert with a distinguished career attending Cambridge University completing a BA in Pharmacology with first class honours and a medical degree with subsequent Masters. He has been undertaking Royal Australasian College of Physicians’ Advanced Training in Medical Oncology at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital since January 2016. In 2017, Dr Chin undertook bioinformatics work using specialised software to look at RNA sequencing data, co-supervised by Dr Joost Lesterhuis from NCARD and Dr Timo Lassmann from the Telethon Kids Institute.