The distinguished ACRF Medical Research Advisory Committee (MRAC) has revealed their short-list of world-class cancer research initiatives to receive up to $10 million in 2011.
With 16 applications to consider, members of the MRAC (led by Fellow of the Royal Society of London and co-creator of the cervical cancer vaccine, Professor Ian Frazer) had a considerable task ahead of them. But they are very enthusiastic about five particular applicants whose vision for the future of cancer research is truly world-class and worthy of further investigation.
Over the next few months, these cancer research institutes will undergo additional interviews and assessments before the final grants are awarded. We wish these institutes the best of luck throughout the next stage of their application.
Menzies Research Institute, Hobart Thanks to a previous grant from ACRF, the Menzies Institute has developed the Tasmanian Inherited Cancer Centre. Their grant application proposes to extend the resources they are currently using to capitalise on the rare genetic resources available in Tasmania. Their work involves identifying causative genes in cancer, including rare variations that are common across families. The Menzies Research Institute is the only exclusively preventative cancer research being undertaken in the country and will provide a better understanding into the full range of genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to cancer.
St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne This application has been made to support the development of a cancer-focused Rational Drug Discovery Centre at St Vincent’s Institute. This institute has a wonderful international reputation in structural biology and cancer research collaborations, and has received two ACRF grants in the past.
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Melbourne This application is for seed-funding to develop the ACRF Centre for Translational Cancer Therapeutics and Imaging – a facility that will significantly increase our understanding of the underlying causes of cancer, and explore new therapeutic approaches. This research will have considerable benefits to cancer patients in terms of their quality of life.
Westmead Institute for Cancer Research, Sydney Westmead has applied for funding to develop new Melanoma Research Laboratories which will house two internationally recognised melanoma research teams, currently working separately at Westmead and Newcastle. The researchers have a wonderful track-record in terms of their communication, and have worked on many significant publications together, but merging their laboratory facilities will improve this level of collaboration and ultimately increase the quality of melanoma research in Australia.
University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane This centre has applied for funds to establish the Molecular Oncology Translational Imaging Facility. This facility would work to translate cancer research into advanced health outcomes in Australia and throughout the world. It would provide a unique platform to promote collaboration across research disciplines, and improve outcomes for cancer patients.
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