Neslisah Akcan

Honorary

Neslisah Akcan is a Research Fellow in Health Economics at the Cancer Health Services Research Unit (CHSR). She holds a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Melbourne.

Her interest in genomic testing and rare diseases developed during an internship at The Advanced Genomic Collaboration’s Ocular Genomics Hub, where she explored how to structure applications based on MSAC requirements to support public funding of genomic testing for inherited retinal diseases.

At CHSR, Neslisah contributes to projects in genomic cancer medicine, with a particular focus on accessibility, decision-making, and health economic evaluation. Her work includes identifying gaps in the cost-effectiveness evidence for genomic testing in cancers of unknown primary and exploring its impact on quality of life for patients. She also supports the development of policy recommendations, briefing materials, project reports, manuscripts, and presentations for academic, clinical, and policy audiences.

Outside of research, Neslisah has a passion for the performing arts and dance and enjoys exploring her interest in music neuroscience.