CoLab Forum 2026

Hosted by Children’s Cancer CoLab, the inaugural CoLab Forum 2026 will bring together the childhood cancer community for a day of connection, collaboration and innovation.

Under the theme Accelerating research, innovation and collaboration, the CoLab Forum will showcase research, highlight collaborative projects, and create space for meaningful discussion on how we can work together to improve outcomes for children and families affected by cancer.

The CoLab Forum aims to build and strengthen connections that spark collaborative initiatives across sectors and disciplines. Through research presentations, interactive sessions and networking opportunities, this event offers a chance to catch up with familiar faces, meet new colleagues, and form partnerships that accelerate progress in childhood cancer research, care and innovation.

Event details

Date: Thursday, 28 May 2026
Time: 9:30am for coffee before the all-day Forum begins | Networking event from 5pm - 6pm
Venue: Level 7 lecture theatre B, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne
Transport and directions: Access the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre‍

Who should attend

The CoLab Forum welcomes anyone working in, advocating for, or impacted by childhood cancer. It’s an inclusive event designed to connect people across disciplines and experiences who share a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families affected by cancer, including:

• Clinicians, nurses and allied healthcare professionals
• Academics / research staff
• Students
• Childhood and adolescent cancer survivors and family members with lived experience
• Advocates, charity staff, policy-makers and research funders
• Invited speakers / guests

Registration information

Seats are limited! Register today so you don't miss out on attending CoLab Forum 2026.
Register for 'Early Bird' by 30 April 2026 for your chance to win a door prize.
Registrations close 21 May 2026.

Registration fees

Thanks to our major partners, we are able to offer hugely subsidised registration fees for this catered event.

‍Clinicians, health professionals and researchers: $30
Students, patients, families, advocates, charity staff and others: FREE

Call for abstracts

Early and mid-career researchers and clinicians, including students, post-doctoral fellows, and semi-independent or newly independent investigators from across Australia, are encouraged to submit an abstract for oral presentation consideration. There will be no poster presentations at this event.

All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of senior experts from CoLab’s Researcher and Clinician Committee.

Abstract submissions open: 29 January 2026
Abstract submissions close: 22 February 2026
‍Abstract submission guidelines: View here
Submit your abstract: Submit here

Need help? Email the Programs Team for more information.

Program and speakers

Details on sessions, speakers and networking activities will be available soon.

Key dates and opportunities

• Abstract submissions close: 22 February 2026
• ‍Early bird registrations close: 30 April 2026
• Registrations close: 21 May 2026
• CoLab Forum: 28 May 2026

Sponsorship opportunities

Partner with us to sponsor CoLab Forum 2026 and champion collaboration that transforms outcomes for children and families affected by cancer.

Contact CoLab's Communications and Development Manager, Merrin Morrison, to discuss how your organisation can support this unique event uniting researchers, clinicians, advocates and families dedicated to accelerating childhood cancer research, innovation and collaboration.
‍Email Merrin.