Professor Yolanda Surjan is Professor and Head of Discipline for Radiation Therapy in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She also serves as Director of the Global Centre for Research and Training in Radiation Oncology. Surjan holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Newcastle, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Radiation Technology from the University of Newcastle, a Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion from the University of Newcastle, and a Master of Health Science in Education from the University of Sydney. Her professional career encompasses clinical roles as a radiation therapist at Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital Radiation Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital Radiation Oncology in Australia, and Royal Free Hospital Radiation Oncology in the United Kingdom. She has held positions including Deputy Chair of the Research Committee in the School of Health Sciences and Gladys M. Brawn Fellowship recipient.
Surjan's research program focuses on two primary areas: evaluation of teaching and learning practices for undergraduate health professionals and radiation therapy clinical applications within translational research frameworks to elevate cancer care standards via patient advocacy and service improvements. Her fields of research include radiation therapy (321110), brachytherapy, first-year experience in education, squamous cell carcinoma in equine, and translational research in skin cancer from human to animal models. She has received prestigious awards such as the University of Newcastle Excellence Award for Industry Engagement (2024), College Excellence Awards for Industry Engagement (2022, 2021), Vice-Chancellor's Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2013), Senior Fellowship from the UK Advance Higher Education Academy (2025), Fellow of the Australian Society for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (2023), CSIRO Breakout Female Scientist Award (2017), Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Award (2016), and Chancellor's Award for Innovation (2016). Key publications include 'More than skin deep: the unseen effects of breast cancer' (Radiotherapy and Oncology, 2024), 'Does clearer vision lead to differences in target and OAR doses in partial breast irradiation?' (2021), 'Brachytherapy treatment of ocular/periocular squamous cell carcinoma in the horse: treatment results in 74 cases (1999-2007)' (2014), and 'Radiation protection in veterinary clinics, analysis of current practice: an Australian National Survey' (2012).