Dr Steven Kao is a staff specialist in medical oncology at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse (COBL) and also has a position as a research fellow at the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI). As a medical oncologist in his practice, he specialises in the management of thoracic cancer patients. Dr Kao is also very actively involved in clinical trials in the oncology setting, both investigator-initiated and those supported by the pharmaceutical industry. Dr Kao completed his PhD in 2013 at the ADRI, where his research focused on thoracic lung cancers, particularly malignant mesothelioma (MM). He has been instrumental in the development of the mesothelioma biobank and integrated database at the institute. As an early career researcher, Dr Kao has been chief investigator on a number of successful research grants, with over $5.25m of competitive funding and has over 50 publications in total, including over 35 original articles in peer-reviewed journals. In recognition of his research achievements, Dr Kao has received three Cancer Institute NSW Premier’s Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research: in 2014 for Excellence in Translational Research as a member of a multidisciplinary team investigating mesothelioma; in 2012 for Outstanding Cancer Research Scholar; and in 2011 for the International Studentship Award (PORUS fellowship).