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Palliative Nexus
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About Us
Our research group develops evidence-based approaches address gaps in care while ensuring timely access to specialized services.
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Our Background
Our People
Our Collaborations
Our Achievements
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Our Background
Palliative Nexus is a collaborative research group affiliated with the University of Melbourne, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), and St Vincent's Hospital, focused on advancing palliative care through innovative research, education, and practice.
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​The Chair of Palliative Medicine at the University of Melbourne (UoM) is held by Professor Jennifer Philip who leads Palliative Nexus. This position was established through a generous bequest from the late Professor Peter Baume AO, with the aim of advancing education, research, and clinical practice in palliative care, according to UoM's website. The Chair was formally established in 2018, building upon the university's existing strengths in palliative care and aiming to further enhance its leadership in the field.
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Recognising the critical need for compassionate and comprehensive care for individuals facing serious illness, Palliative Nexus brings together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and community members to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Their work spans a broad spectrum of palliative care domains, from symptom management and psychosocial support to end-of-life care and bereavement.
Our People
Prof Jennifer Philip
Chair of Palliative
Medicine, University of Melbourne & St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
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Dr Anna Collins
Senior Researcher
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Head, Public Health and Services Research at UOM
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Kylee Bellingham
Research Fellow
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National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap and Care Plus Projects
Tanya Fraser
Project Officer and Research Administrator
Dr Aaron Wong
Research Fellow
Medicine, University of Melbourne & St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
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Mollie Wilson
Research Officer & PhD Student
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Lucy Demediuk
Clinical Trials Co-ordinator
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Angela Chia
Clinical Trials Co-ordinator
Our Achievements (in brief)
Our Collaborations
Palliative Nexus is proud to work in partnership with leading hospitals, universities, research networks, and community organisations. These collaborations drive innovation, improve access, and ensure our work reflects the needs of those we serve.
Clinical Partners
We are embedded within some of Victoria’s leading health services, ensuring our research is directly connected to patient care.
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St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne – Our clinical home, supporting integrated palliative care delivery and research leadership.
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Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre – Partner in early palliative care models, clinical trials, and the First Nations Cancer Coordinator initiative.
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Royal Melbourne Hospital – A key site for equity-focused programs, including support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
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Academic & Research Partners
As part of the University of Melbourne’s Department of Medicine, we are committed to rigorous, translational research:
University of Melbourne – Academic home of our team, with a focus on research, education, and mentoring in palliative care.
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC Alliance)** – A major partner in cancer service innovation, research translation, and policy reform.
Research Networks & Programs
Our work is strengthened through national and international collaboration:
Centre for Palliative Care (CPC) – A research and education leader based at St Vincent’s, partnering with us on implementation science and clinical innovation.
Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative (PaCCSC) – A national trials network supporting palliative medication and symptom management research.
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National and International Collaborations
We are connected to a global community of palliative care researchers through collaborative initiatives with:
National Cancer Centre Singapore
MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA)
University of Adelaide
Why Collaboration Matters
These partnerships allow us to:
Integrate research directly into care delivery
Co-design projects with consumers and communities
Translate evidence into practice and policy
Mentor the next generation of clinical researchers