Professor Janette Vardy

Since 2007 Professor Vardy has generated over AUD$21m ($8.8m as CIA) in peer-reviewed grants for new research. She had continuous NHMRC funding from 2007- 2025, including three project grants as CIA (one for $2.4m) and an NHMRC Investigator Grant. 

 

1. Breast Cancer Trials Fellowship  

      Chief Investigators:  Tan C, Vardy J (mentor).  

      Source: Breast Cancer Trials  

      Funding: $116,320 over 1 years from June 2025. 

 

2. Rewarding Research 2025 

      Chief Investigators:  Vardy J.  

      Source: Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney 

      Funding: $116,320 over 1 year from January 2025. 

 

3. Evaluating the time toxicity of chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer using patient survey data: a prospective feasibility study. 

      Chief Investigators: Vardy J, Stevens S, Shaw J, De Abreu Lourenco R. 

      Source: Sydney Cancer Partners Pilot Study Scheme 

      Funding: $116,320 over 2 years from June 2024. 

 

4. Advancing Cancer Survivorship Through Partnership Between Australia and Greater China (The AC2 Project) 

Chief Investigators: Chan R, Lam W, Kwong A, Jefford M, Koczwara B, Vardy J, Lei Z, Yan Lou, Su-Ying Fan 

Source: National Foundation for Australia-China Relations 2022-23  

Funding: $300,000 over 2 years from May 2023. 

 

5. A phase 2 feasibility study evaluating a structured telehealth Lifestyle intervention (Exercise And Diet) for early-stage breast cancer survivors (LEAD-4-BCs) undergoing neo-adjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy. 

Chief Investigator: Tan, SY 

Associate Investigators: Vardy, J., Bauman, A., Kiely, B., Dhillon, H., Yee, J., Taylor, N., De Abreu Lourenço, R.  

Source: University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health – Professor Martin Tattersall Early Career Researcher Award Scheme for research in cancer  

Funding: $150,000 over 2-year from February 2022 

 

6. Prehabilitation for gastrointestinal cancer surgery. (PREHAB-GI) 

Chief Investigators: K-L Raso, J Vardy, S Khatri, G Becerril-Martinez, P le Page, Y Lin, C Wildbore.  

Source: Concord Cancer Centre Research Grant   

Funding: $15,000 over 1.5 year from November 2020 

 

7. Improving long term health for cancer survivors 

Chief Investigator: J Vardy  

Source: NHMRC Investigator Grant  2019/GNT1176221 

Funding: $1.6m over 5 years from January 2020 

 

8. Equity Prize 

Chief Investigators: J Vardy 

Source: University of Sydney Equity Prize 

Funding: $60,000 over 1 year from January 2020 

 

9. “Phase III study of the impact of a physical activity program on disease-free survival for early colon cancer, “CHALLENGE”: Colon Health and Life Long Exercise ChaNGE”  
   Chief Investigators: J Vardy, H Dhillon, K Courneya, C Booth, C O’Callaghan J Zalcberg, M Burge. 

Source: NHMRC Project Grant 2018/GNT1160385 

Funding: $1.1m over 5 years from January 2019 

 

10. OxTox: Can Oxaliplatin dose reduction and neurotoxicity be reduced with ibudilast in people with metastatic colorectal cancer – a phase II randomised study 

Chief Investigators: J Vardy, C Teng, M Stockler, H Dhillon, S Clarke, P Blinman, L Chantrill, S Park, D Karikios, P Fox.  

Source: Australian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) Innovation grant 

Funding: $200,000 over 2 years from January 2019. 

 

11. Longitudinal health status and needs of cancer survivors attending the  Sydney Survivorship Clinic 

Chief Investigators: C Tan, J Vardy, K Kerin-Ayers, J Turner, H Dhillon 

Source: Concord Cancer Centre Research Grant   

Funding: $20,000 over 1 year from November 2018 

 

12. Body composition changes in cancer patients during chemotherapy  

Chief Investigators: C Tan, J Vardy, P Blinman, J Turner, A Malalasekera 

Source: Sydney Catalyst Pilot and Seed Funding   

Funding: $50,000 over 1 year from June 2018 

 

13. A pilot study evaluating the impact of ibudilast on prevention of chemotherapy-induced acute neurotoxicity and evaluating pharmacokinetics with oxaliplatin in gastro-intestinal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin 

Chief Investigators: J Vardy, P Blinman, A McLachlan, H Dhillon, I Johnston 

Source: Concord Cancer Centre   

Funding: $20,000 over 1 year from October 2017 

 

14. Phase II randomised placebo-controlled, double blind, multisite study of acetazolamide versus placebo for management of cerebral oedema in recurrent and/or progressive Glioblastoma requiring treatment with dexamethasone – The ACED trial 

Chief Investigators: M Agar, J Vardy, E-S Koh, J Simes, A Nowak, H Wheeler, E Barnes. 

  Source: Cancer Australia.   

  Funding: $545,000 over 3 years from January 2016 

 

15. Implementation and evaluation of a weight management program in cancer survivors 

Chief Investigators: J Vardy, C Tan, H Dhillon.   

Source: Sydney Local Health District Cancer Services Research Grant.   

Funding: $30,000 over 1 year from October, 2015 

 

16. Cancer Nutrition and Exercise rehabilitation program (CaNE) for patients with advanced cancer at risk of cancer cachexia syndrome – a phase II feasibility study 

    Chief Investigators: J Vardy, C Tan, A Salis, P Blinman, H Dhillon, J Turner 

Source: Sydney Catalyst Seed Funding 

Funding: $45,000 over 1 year from June 1, 2015 

 

17. Cognitive ageing in cancer populations: a cohort study extension in colorectal cancer survivors 

Chief Investigators: H Dhillon, J Vardy, L Waite, J Lagopoulos, L Mackenzie, I Johnston, S Clarke, A Maclachlan, L Cysique 

Source: University of Sydney Cancer SPARC Implementation Scheme.  

Funding: $154,546 over 2 years from August 2015  

18. Practitioner Fellowship – Survivorship Issues in Breast Cancer Patients 

    Chief Investigator: J Vardy 

Source: National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) Practitioner Fellowship 

Funding: $600,000 over 4 years from January 1, 2015 

 

19. Ibudilast as a therapy for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and cognitive impairments 

Chief Investigators: IN Johnson, M Hutchinson, J Vardy, H Dhillon. 
   Source: Cancer Council NSW Project Grant. (Project 1064581) 
   Funding: $504,047 over 3 years from January 2015. 

20. Healthy living after cancer. 

Chief Investigators: E Eakin, S Hayes, M Haas, M Reeves, J Vardy, F Boyle, J Hiller, G Mishra, M Jefford, B Koczwara. 
Source: NHMRC Partnership Project Grant.  
Funding: $1,267,110.70 over 5 years from January 2014. 

21. PLANET Sydney – the Physical Activity NETwork Sydney University  

Chief Investigators: A Bauman et al    

Associate Investigator: J Vardy et al  

Source: University of Sydney research Networks Scheme (SyReNS)  

Funding: $85,000 p.a. for 2 years (2013-2015). 

   

22. “Evaluation of a Web-based Cognitive Rehabilitation Programme in Cancer Survivors with Self Reported Cognitive Impairment” 
    Chief Investigators: J Vardy, V Bray, H Dhillon, M Bell, M Price, L Cysique 
    Source: Cancer Council NSW.  
    Funding: $195,346 over 2 years from January 2013. 

23. Chemotherapy utilisation for malignant mesothelioma patients – optimal rate, barriers to access and patient preferences 

         Chief Investigators: S Kao, W Ng, J Vardy; H Dhillon, P Blinman 
Source: Dust Diseases Board New South Wales 
Funding: AUD$ 211,535 over 2 years (2013-2014) 

24. “The impact of physical activity on quality of life in lung cancer patients” 
    Chief Investigators: J Vardy; H Dhillon, S Clarke, M Boyer 
    Source: Slater and Gordon.  
    Funding: $30,000 – 2013 

25. “Evaluating a shared care pathway intervention to reduce chemotherapy outpatients unplanned presentations to hospital” 

Chief Investigators: White K, McKenzie H, Hayes L, Simpson J, Horvath L, Willcock S, Cox K, Fethney J, 

Associate Investigator: J Vardy  

Source: NHMRC Project grant  

Funding: $623,887 over 3 years (2013-2016). 

 

26. “Cognitive Rehabilitation for Breast Cancer Survivors with Perceived Cognitive impairment” 

    Chief Investigator: J Vardy 

Source: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): Advanced Clinical Research Award  
Funding: US$450,000 over 3 years from July 1, 2012. 

27. Objective measurement of physical activity and sedentary behaviours across twelve NHMRC funded studies.  

Chief Investigators: Baur L, van der Ploeg HP, Tiedemann A, Sherrington C, Maher C, Vardy J, Lin C, Dhillon H, Chau J, Hardy L, Rissel C, Latimer J, Mosely A, Bauman A.  

Source: NHMRC equipment grant  

Funding: $48,876 for 2012. 

 

28. “Ginkgo biloba preserves cognitive function in women treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised Phase III trial” 

Chief Investigators: J Vardy, H Dhillon, M Bell, L Cysique, F Boyle, S Clarke, M Tattersall 
Source: Cancer Australia; National Breast Cancer Foundation; beyondblue.  
Funding: $200,000p.a. for 3 years 2012-14 

 

29. “Translating Malignant Mesothelioma research into better outcomes for patients and their families” 

Chief Investigators: N van Zandwick, G Reid, J Vardy, S Kao, N Pavlakis 
Source: Cancer Institute NSW Translational Project Grant 
Funding: $3.5m over 5 years 2012-2016 

 

30. “Evaluation of a Web-based Cognitive Rehabilitation Programme in Cancer Survivors with Self Reported Cognitive Impairment” 
    Chief Investigators: V Bray, J Vardy, H Dhillon, F Boyle 
    Source: The Friends of the Mater Foundation Annual Grants.  
    Funding: $20,000 for 2010. 

 

31. “Efficacy and safety of Gingko biloba for cognitive function in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy” 
    Chief Investigators: J Vardy, H Dhillon, F Boyle 
    Source: The Friends of the Mater Foundation Annual Grants.  
    Funding: $20,000 for 2010 

 

32. “Cognitive Function and Survivorship” 
    Chief Investigator: J. Vardy 
    Source: Cancer Institute NSW Clinical Research Fellowship (09/CRF/2-07).  
    Funding: $750,000 over 3 years from 2010, including $100,000 pa for research and remainder towards research component of wage.  

 

33. “The Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group: infrastructure to support operational activity and facility management to further psychosocial research and quality of life studies in clinical trials”  
    Chief Investigators: P Butow, M King, A Girgis, B Meiser, J Vardy, K White, N Rankin, P Price 
    Source: Cancer Institute NSW Infrastructure Grant (09/RIG/1-13).  
    Funding: $330,000 over 3 years from July 1 2009:  

 

34. “Clinical studies of the efficacy & tolerability of systemically administered Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) in conjunction with standard therapy in cancer patients”  
    Chief Investigators: J. Vardy, S. Clarke 
    Source: National Institute of Complementary Medicine Research Program Developmental Grant.  
    Funding: $30,000 for 2009. 

 

35. “Gymnasium equipment for Sydney Cancer Centre physical activity program” 
    Chief Investigator: J. Vardy 
    Source: Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation Capital Works & Equipment Grant. 
    Funding: $18,300 for 2009 

 

36. “Developing an animal model to study the long-term impact of chemotherapy on cognition, mood, pain and general health”  
    Chief Investigators: I Johnston, J. Vardy 
    Source: University of Sydney Cancer Research Fund.  
    Funding: $40,000 for 2009. 

 

37. “Phase III study of the impact of a physical activity program on disease-free survival for early colon cancer, “CHALLENGE”: Colon Health and Life Long Exercise ChaNGE”  
    Chief Investigators: J Vardy, H Dhillon, H van der Ploeg, J Zalcberg, K Courneya, R Meyer 
    Source: NHMRC Project Grant (ID#570907). 2008/GNT0570907 
    Funding: $2.5 million over 5 years, 2009-2013 

 

38. “The impact of physical activity on quality of life in thoracic cancer patients” 
    Chief Investigators: J Vardy; H Dhillon, H van der Ploeg, S Clarke, M Boyer, A Bauman 
    Source: Lance Armstrong Foundation Young Investigator Award.  
    Funding: US$55,000pa for two years, 2009-2010. 

 

39. “Efficacy and Safety of Ginkgo Biloba for cognitive function and fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy” 
    Chief Investigators: J Vardy  
    Source: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): Career Development Award:  
    Funding: US$200,000 over 3 years from July 1, 2008. 

 

40. “Cognitive Function and Fatigue in Cancer Patients After Chemotherapy: A Longitudinal Controlled Study in Patients with Colorectal Cancer” CIA. 
    Chief Investigators: J Vardy, S Clarke, I Tannock, M Schnitzler, H Dhillon  
    Source: NHMRC Project Grant (ID#457386).  
    Funding: $250,000 over 3 years, 2007-2009 

 

41. “Cognitive Function and Survivorship”  
    Chief Investigator: J. Vardy 
    Source: Cancer Institute NSW Clinical Research Fellowship (05/CRF/1-06).  
    Funding: $100,000 p.a. over 3 years, and wage 2007-2009   

 

42. “Functional MRI substudy”  
    Chief Investigators: J Vardy, H Dhillon, S Clarke 
    Source: Pfizer Neuroscience Grant:  
    Funding: $50,000 for 1 year from January 2007.  

 

43. “Mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction in breast cancer survivors” 
    Chief Investigators: I Tannock, J Vardy, C Booth 
    Source: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Project:  
    Funding: US$249,000 over 2 years, 2006-2008 

 

44. Funding for organisation of International Cognitive Workshop, Venice 2006.  
    Chief Investigators: J. Vardy, I. Tannock 
    Source: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Grant.  
    Funding: US$25,000 for 2006 

 

45. Funding for organisation of International Cognitive Workshop, Venice 2006 
    Chief Investigators: J. Vardy, I. Tannock 
    Source: Hurricane Voices Grant.  
    Funding: US$45,000 for 2006 

 

46. “Cognitive Function and Fatigue in Cancer Patients After Chemotherapy: A Longitudinal Controlled Study in Patients with Colorectal Cancer” 
    Chief Investigator: J. Vardy 
    Source: Peterborough K.M. Hunter Graduate Studentship, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.  
    Funding: C$20,000 for 2005-2006. 

 

47. “Cognitive Function and Fatigue in Cancer Patients After Chemotherapy: A Longitudinal Controlled Study in Patients with Colorectal Cancer”  
    Chief Investigators: I. Tannock, J. Vardy  
    Source: National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC).  
    Funding: C$115,000 pa for 3 years, commencing July 2004. 

 

48. “Cognitive Function and Fatigue in Cancer Patients After Chemotherapy: A Longitudinal Controlled Study in Patients with Colorectal Cancer” 
    Chief Investigators: I. Tannock, J. Vardy  
    Source: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).  
    Funding: C$88,000 pa July 2004 but declined in favour of NCIC grant 

 

49. “Cognitive impairment associated with chemotherapy for breast cancer: An exploratory case-controlled study” 
    Chief Investigators: I. Tannock, J. Vardy, C. Booth 
    Source: Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance, Development and Exploratory Grant.  
    Funding: C$49,000 for 1 year, July 2004- June 2005 

 

50. “Cognitive Function and Fatigue in Cancer Patients After Chemotherapy: A Longitudinal Controlled Study in Patients with Colorectal Cancer”  
    Chief Investigator: J. Vardy 
    Source: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Young Investigator Award 
    Funding: US$50,000 for 2004–2005