Following a successful application to be upgraded from a cancer research 'unit' the HCRA now enjoys equal footing with major Sydney-based centres.
"This essentially means we are recognised by the Cancer Institute NSW as being a highly credible partnership with significant capacity to develop new strategies in cancer research," Professor Ackland said.
"Our region has relatively high mortality rates for various cancers and a strong demand for clinical services, so this funding will allow clinicians, scientists, general practitioners and patients to work together more efficiently, ensuring the right patient gets the right treatment at the right time."
Professor Ackland said the HCRA's governance structures would now be further refined to accelerate the translational cycle.
"Translation is about escalating ideas and information from the laboratory end of the spectrum via high-quality pre-clinical and clinical studies through to the population. It also works in the reverse direction so that clinicians and patients can contribute to research ideas that can be addressed in the lab," he said.
"We will be addressing our priorities with the overarching aim of providing more targeted treatments and better ways of preventing and managing cancer in those who are susceptible.
"Our vision is to firmly establish Hunter New England as a competitive global hub of excellence in conducting collaborative translational cancer research to improve patient outcomes. We aim to build a second HMRI building on the Calvary Mater Newcastle campus as a state-of-the-art medical research facility to expand our world-class cancer research."
"We are delighted that the Hunter Cancer Research Alliance has been awarded this funding and thrilled to have played some part in its success," Professor Kevin Hall, the University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), said.
"The University is committed to collaborative models with key partners such as HMRI and the Health Services that allow the cutting-edge work of our researchers to be translated for the practical benefit of local patients.
"I wish to congratulate our researchers on the award of this very prestigious grant, it is recognition of their exemplary standing within the field and promises great outcomes into the future for the community."
"This announcement elevates the HCRA to the top echelon of cancer research centres in Australia and I am very pleased to see that the focus will be on translational research and interdisciplinary collaboration," he said. "This is very much in keeping with HMRI's own strategic thinking."
Greg Flint CEO Calvary Mater Newcastle also welcomed the news saying "Being the region's major cancer hospital we welcome this funding which will enable the maximisation of further collaborative work addressing cancer not just at the bedside but in the many programs and clinical research initiatives being carried out here.
"This prestigious funding award further proves this region's clinicians and scientists are equivalent to the best in Australia if not the world. Patients, staff and community members will be the beneficiaries."
HMRI Communications Manager Mark Rothfield.