Posted 3 July 2025
SVI PhD student Shalini Sundramurthi Chelliah has been internationally recognised for her innovative cancer research, winning the Dr Kate Hannan Memorial Award for Best Oral Presentation at the 2025 OddPols Conference in the United States.
The international conference, held at the Stowers Institute of Medical Research, brought together leading scientists focused on RNA polymerases I, III, IV, and V, key enzymes involved in gene expression.
Shalini’s research investigates a new way of targeting cancer cells by disrupting the sites where ribosomes are made — the machines that produce proteins. Shalini delivered her presentation on ‘Targeting the nucleoli as a strategy to treat ovarian cancer.’
“Cancer cells are addicted to making proteins to support their relentless growth. Ribosomes, the machines that make proteins, are built in a part of the cell called the nucleoli,” she explained.
“My research aims to target and disrupt the structure and function of the nucleoli to induce nucleolar stress, a response that could lead to cancer cell death.”
Using cutting-edge tools including a CRISPR/Cas9 genetic screen of nearly 19,000 genes and a drug screen of 24,000 compounds, Shalini has identified promising genes and potential new drugs that affect nucleolar function.
Her current work is focused on validating these findings and investigating how they could be used in future cancer therapies in the DNA Damage and Cancer Therapy Laboratory, led by Associate Professor Elaine Sanij.
“I’m immensely proud that my PhD student, Shalini, was awarded the Late Dr Kate Hannan Memorial Award,” said Elaine.
“Dr Hannan made a significant impact on the field of RNA Polymerase I transcription and biology, both in Australia and globally. As a former collaborator, I knew her as someone deeply committed to scientific excellence. Her legacy continues to influence and inspire the field.”
Shalini’s award affirms the importance of her research in driving advancements for cancer therapy, offering hope for more precise and effective treatments in the future.
Shalini’s genetic and drug screening studies were performed at the Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics and were supported by CASS Medicine/Science research, Therapeutic Innovation Australia Pipeline accelerator and Cancer Australia PdCCRS grants.
She received a PhD scholarship from Monash University and a top-up scholarship from John and Barbara Ralph.
Find out more about the DNA Damage and Cancer Therapy Lab