The role of philanthropy in accelerating clinical trials Clinical trials remain one of the most powerful areas where philanthropy is reshaping healthcare across Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD).
Building a culture of philanthropy across the district To build on this momentum, the NORTH Foundation continues to strengthen philanthropy across the district through tailored training and engagement opportunities for clinicians. The Philanthropy Partners Program helps staff recognise gratitude, connect patients with the NORTH Foundation and understand the impact philanthropy has on their work. This cultural shift is supported by strong relationships with senior clinicians and NSLHD executives, whose partnership with the NORTH Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the district’s bold research vision. A new era of investment in clinical research The growing philanthropic interest in clinical trials is gaining momentum, with the NORTH Foundation preparing to launch a campaign to support a suite of priority clinical research projects across the district.
As the official charity partner of the NSLHD, the NORTH Foundation has seen a significant rise in donor interest directed toward clinical research – momentum that is already expanding what is possible for patients. Gilbert Lorquet, Chief Executive Officer of the NORTH Foundation, says the shift is unmistakable. “Clinical trials are where innovation becomes reality,” he explains. “But traditional funding alone can’t keep pace with the scale of opportunity. Philanthropy is essential in helping our clinicians bring world-leading research to patients sooner.” Growing donor enthusiasm for clinical trials Donor interest in supporting clinical trials has grown over the past few years, particularly in areas such as cancer, mental health and cardiology. Some supporters are motivated by personal experiences and others are inspired by the calibre of clinicians driving this work, Gilbert says. This enthusiasm was evident at the NORTH STAR VNP Cancer Clinical Trials Showcase hosted by the NORTH Foundation in August 2025. Donors, clinicians and researchers came together for an inside look at the groundbreaking trials underway. Attendees heard directly from the NORTH STAR VNP research team, including world-leading researchers whose work is pushing the boundaries of cancer care. “The response from donors was extraordinary,” Gilbert says. “They were moved by the expertise and ambition of our clinicians. It reinforced just how much potential there is when philanthropy and research come together.”
This next phase of investment will expand opportunities for donors to invest in transformative medical innovation. “We’re seeing a shift in how the community thinks about clinical trials,” Gilbert says. “People understand that this is where breakthroughs happen and
they want to be part of it. With support, we can help accelerate discoveries that will change lives.”
You can help support priority projects across the district, including clinical trials at: northfoundation.org.au
34 Tomorrow’s medicine today
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