Where Data Becomes Hope
Video Summary
At the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, every data point carries a patient’s story—their history, their fight, their future. By harnessing Qumulo’s scalable data platform, researchers can analyze massive volumes of genomic data with speed and precision, transforming raw data into deeply personalized treatments tailored to each individual’s unique journey.
This is where science becomes hope—where data helps deliver therapies tailored to a single patient, and where every insight brings us one step closer to changing lives.
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Accelerating Breakthrough Cancer Research with Qumulo
The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) is an independent medical research institute in Heidelberg, Australia, dedicated to developing cancer treatments that are more effective, more tolerable, and accessible to every patient. Guided by a “bedside to bench to bedside” model, the institute brings real patient-identified challenges into the laboratory, transforms them into scientific breakthroughs, and returns new treatments to the clinic as rapidly as possible.
With rising data volumes, expanding clinical research, and increasing reliance on AI and advanced analytics, ONJCRI required a modern data infrastructure that could securely scale, accelerate collaboration, and protect the sensitive patient data entrusted to them. The institute partnered with Qumulo to implement a secure, flexible hybrid-cloud storage platform that now underpins their mission and fuels the next generation of cancer discovery.
Challenge
As ONJCRI entered its second decade, its research capacity had outgrown its technology foundation.
Data growth outpaced infrastructure
- 14 TB at founding → 250+ TB today
- One research group alone is projected to generate 100 TB annually
On-premise limitations slowed progress
- No hybrid cloud capabilities
- Data restricted to “four walls”
- Difficulty supporting global collaboration
- Storage was at end-of-life, causing operational inefficiencies
Rising complexity of research data
- Expanding imaging, genomics, and multi-omics workloads
- Large volumes of unstructured data requiring rapid analysis
- Sensitive patient samples demanding strict security and reliability
The institute needed a data foundation that could support rapid scientific advances—and ensure no time was lost for patients who cannot afford to wait.
“Our patients are very generous and allow us to use their samples throughout their cancer journey. We must ensure our data infrastructure is secure, reliable, flexible, and accessible so we can analyze and collaborate at the pace patients need.”
Solution
ONJCRI selected Qumulo to deploy a modern hybrid-cloud storage platform that delivers:
Secure, scalable data infrastructure
- Built for sensitive clinical and research data
- Flexible and responsive to rapid growth
- Enables continuous expansion without disruption
Hybrid cloud enablement
- Seamless movement of data beyond the on-premises environment
- Ability to collaborate globally with partners and clinicians
- Foundation for AI and hyperscaler integration
Operational efficiency
- Reduced time spent managing storage
- Research support teams can focus on enabling discovery—not technology firefighting
“Working with Qumulo has been phenomenal. We now have a solution that is scalable, secure, flexible, and will grow with us as our researchers continue to innovate.”
Impact
Since adopting Qumulo, ONJCRI has unlocked capabilities that were previously impossible:
Global Collaboration
Researchers can now share and analyze data with partners around the world—accelerating translation back to patients.
AI-Ready Infrastructure
Support for hybrid cloud strategies with Azure Native Qumulo, AI, and advanced analytics opens new research possibilities. “AI is unlocking possibilities that were previously unimaginable. Cancer patients do not have time to waste, and now we can make sense of our unstructured data faster in ways that will significantly benefit patients.”
Scalability for the Future
The institute can confidently support explosive data growth without compromising security or performance.
More Time for Research
Infrastructure complexity no longer slows progress—researchers can focus on discovery. Most importantly, the improved data foundation directly contributes to life-changing outcomes.
Human Impact
Behind every data point is a patient—and Qumulo’s infrastructure helps ensure those patients receive treatment options faster.
One example:
A mother diagnosed with stage-four gallbladder cancer was told to “get her affairs in order.” ONJCRI enrolled her in a rare cancer clinical trial—and seven years later, she continues to live a full life with her family.
“Everything we do gives patients and their families hope—hope for a cure, hope for a treatment that is more effective, and hope for a quality of life that allows them to still be parents, partners, and present.”
Looking Ahead
ONJCRI and Qumulo are advancing together toward a shared mission: delivering breakthrough cancer treatments faster.
- Continued innovation alongside research priorities
- Support for ONJCRI’s five-year impact strategy
- Expansion of hybrid cloud and AI-driven workflows
“Qumulo continues to innovate alongside us. Cancer patients do not have time to waste, and our partnership ensures we can work as efficiently as possible toward more effective, tolerable, and accessible treatments.”
Conclusion
With Qumulo, ONJCRI transformed its data infrastructure from a restrictive on-premises environment into a secure, scalable, hybrid-cloud platform that enables global collaboration, fuels AI and advanced analytics, and accelerates the translation of research breakthroughs back to the patients who need them most.
Industry:
Healthcare and Life Sciences
Use Case:
Genomics Research and Treatment
Deployment:
Qumulo Core (on-premises)
Location: Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
Company Overview: ONJCRI is an independent medical research institute dedicated to developing cancer treatments that are more effective, more tolerable, and accessible to every patient. With rising data volumes, expanding clinical research, and increasing reliance on AI and advanced analytics, ONJCRI required a modern data infrastructure that could securely scale, accelerate collaboration, and protect the sensitive patient data entrusted to them.
Why Qumulo:
- Secure, scalable data infrastructure
- Hybrid cloud enablement
- Operational efficiency
- Industry-leading real-time support
Results:
- Collaborating Globally
- Benefiting from AI-Ready Infrastructure
- Easily Scaling with Increased Demand
- More Time for Research