Professor Jeffrey Dunn AO has spent more than four decades shaping the global conversation on cancer control, patient advocacy and public health leadership. As the 2025 recipient of the University of Queensland Alumni Award, he is recognised for outstanding leadership in oncology research, medical administration and international cancer initiatives. Here, he reflects on the formative role St John’s played in his journey, the mentors who set him on his path, and the lessons he continues to carry into a life of global impact.
It began, as Jeff recalls, with a young man arriving at St John’s “poorly formed, immature and without direction,” unsure of where his future lay.
He commenced a Bachelor of Science intending to major in biology, but soon found himself drawn to psychology, sociology and anthropology; disciplines that ultimately led to a PhD in sociology and a lifelong focus on the human dimensions of cancer. College life at St John’s was central to that transformation.
Jeff speaks warmly of former Warden, Archbishop Peter Carnley AC, whose influence shaped those early years:
"Peter Carnley was an important influence for me, and his forbearance and guidance were instrumental in my transition from adolescent to young adult. Perhaps prescient, he wrote in a reference for me that I was a rough diamond and a hard worker in the service of others. I have spent a lifetime trying to polish up whatever diamond he believed he saw and devoted a career working in the human/social service sector."
"His influence shaped my College life in the most beneficial of ways. In fact, he claims that any success I may have accrued in life has its origins in the moral and intellectual grounding he so selflessly lavished on me in my Fresher year, and he may be correct. Here we are, 50 years later and John remains a close friend, mentor and colleague."
Today, Professor Dunn is recognised globally for his leadership in cancer prevention, supportive care, behavioural science and international advocacy. He has held senior roles including CEO and board member of major organisations such as Cancer Council Queensland and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and has served as President of the Union for International Cancer Control, working with leaders from more than 170 countries.
He also credits Professor John Cole OAM, his block tutor in Edale in 1976:
ICON Group CEO Mark Middleton recently described him as his most significant mentor, telling CEO Magazine:
"One of the things Jeff taught me is the importance of leading with purpose and taking Australian expertise to the world. His ability to find solutions to complex challenges, advocate for change and elevate others around him has shaped how I lead. And he has shown me what it means to turn vision into impact."
From his early days at St John’s to a life spent advancing global cancer control, Professor Dunn has devoted his career to improving the wellbeing of others. His work continues to shape policy, elevate research and inspire change across nations.
Beyond his extraordinary achievements, his roots remain firmly at St John’s. Jeff says:
"The College continues to permeate my life on a daily basis.
My dentist was at St John’s with me, so was my solicitor, and so on. My best friends today were my best friends at St John’s and we seem to be permanently bound by that experience.
I was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and spent quite some time in hospital. Every morning at 5.30am, for the first six months of my treatment, an old Johnian, a lifelong friend, sent me an encouraging message, to be optimistic, to be hopeful, to ride it out. That made a difference.
I am not sure there is anywhere I can turn in my professional or personal life, which is free from the influence of St John’s, one way or another."
Career Highlights Professor Jeffrey Dunn AO
- President, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), leading global collaboration across 170+ countries
- CEO, Cancer Council Queensland, overseeing statewide prevention, research and support initiatives
- CEO, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA)
- Founding Chair, Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland
- Professor of Social and Behavioural Science, University of Southern Queensland
- Pioneer in supportive-care research, advancing global understanding of the psychosocial impacts of cancer
- Adviser to the World Health Organization (WHO), contributing to international cancer control policy
- Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to medicine, research, and patient advocacy