AusHealth CureCell Award winner, Matt van der Burg – finding a new way to deliver drugs to the brain
In July, 65 PhD students submitted single-page synopses on their research into cell or biological therapies. In this series of posts we talk with the seven award winners about their ground-breaking science, their lives as a researcher and how they’ll spend their $10,000 prize…
Winner: Matthew van der Burg
Institution: University of Queensland
Award: AusHealth CureCell Award, 2025
Research project: FLVCR2 as a Novel Gateway for Brain Therapeutics and Glioblastoma Treatment
Firstly, congratulations on winning an AusHealth CureCell award Matthew! How did you feel when you found out?
It was a mix of emotions! On one hand, I was ecstatic because the cost of living is just so brutal. But on the other, I wasn’t sure if I had actually won. Initially, we were just invited to a meeting – the announcement was a surprise.
What does $10,000 do for a PhD research student?
It helps me to survive! I’ve got a mortgage and a daughter. So, it helps just managing everyday expenses. It will also allow me to go out for occasional dates with my partner, which she’s thrilled about!
Like most research students, my PhD takes up more time than a full-time job, so I often work weekends as well, even though it’s optional. Many students go into debt just to be able to survive. So, prizes like the AusHealth CureCell Awards are absolutely crucial.
Had you heard of the AusHealth CureCell Awards before applying?
Initially, I saw the announcement in a newsletter. Later, my supervisor also sent it to me and recommended I apply because my work is quite translational, so I decided to give it a shot.
Has the commercial translation of your project been a focus since the beginning?
Yes, pretty early in the project I realised the potential therapeutic applications for my research. The protein I’m studying could have significant applications in treating brain diseases. Eventually this became my entire PhD project: to discover how we can use our knowledge of this transporter for therapeutic applications.
Should PhD researchers in general think more about commercialisation?
Definitely. While fundamental research is essential, I think people should always think about how their work can have practical applications. Whether it’s in medicine, agriculture or other technologies, people get interested when they understand what the application of the work is. When I explain the therapeutic potential of my research it helps others to see its relevance and importance.
So, how do you explain your project to a lay person?
One of the biggest challenges in treating brain diseases, which are increasingly prevalent, is getting drugs to the brain in the first place. That requires us to study at the molecular level, those things that regulate the transport of drugs to the brain. My research focuses on a protein that essentially acts like a tunnel to supply nutrients to the brain, which tumours depend on. Understanding this could help develop better treatments for brain cancer and other brain-related conditions.
Do you plan to continue in your field of research?
Yes, even before my Bachelor’s degree, I was pretty certain I would do a PhD and then continue with postdoctoral research. I hope to keep advancing this project and focus on translational work.
What have you learned about doing a PhD in science?
One key lesson is the importance of teamwork. Science is so incredibly specialised, and no one can do it alone. You can’t know everything. So personal networking and building a team of collaborators helps. Also it’s useful to be able to delegate some of your own work to others while supporting and promoting each other through co-authorship of publications.
Applications for the next AusHealth CureCell Awards will begin in June 2026.
For more information, visit CureCell.org