Friday Sep 06, 2024

Day 03: Driving cancer research on Road to the Max: Australia

Connecting with the Heroes Pioneering New Frontiers in Cancer Research

Day 03 saw our crew ready to dive deep into Melbourne’s rich legacy of healthcare innovation as we embarked on a journey through some of the most cutting-edge research and compassionate care in the country. Our first stop was the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre at Melbourne’s historic Austin Hospital. A true healthcare pioneer, it was here, in the 1920s, that trials in x-ray cancer treatment were pioneered. Today, the Research Centre continues this legacy, with more than 140 research studies underway and up to 200 ongoing clinical trials at any given time. We had the privilege of meeting with the research team, gaining insight into their work across a broad spectrum of cancer mechanisms and types.

Wheels on the Pavement to the Roundtable

Next, we hit the road to Rowville for a roundtable discussion with the team at Accelagen, offering a deep dive into the complexities of trial management and the role Accelagen plays in advancing clinical research. We rounded off the day with a heartfelt meeting with Peter Robinson, Founder of the Superheroes Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals afflicted with brain cancer, a powerful reminder of the work yet to be done in combating cancer. With our engines roaring and hearts full, today was a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and compassion in the face of one of humanity’s greatest challenges. Stay with us as we continue to explore the frontiers of healthcare and beyond.

Sanisure
Prolytix
Praxis
ONJ Cancer Research
NAS
Minafin
Kincell
Infinity
GBI Bio
FAB Pharma
Experic
CircNova
Alloy Therapeutics
Accelagen
Wheeler Bio
It sort of ruins the illusion of excitement when you see it from this angle.
Phill Neill's holding up the wall.
Nigel getting the scoop on ONJ's protocols from the Lab Head, Doug.
The ONJ lab team. These folks are doing some incredible work in cancer research.
Conor Kearney from the lab at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.
Belinda De Rango, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre's Philanthropy Manager.
Another Interceptor! This one looks a bit worse for wear than ours.
Natalia Vukelic from the lab at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.
Erinna Lee from the lab at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.
Jessica Duarte, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.
Doug Fairlie from the lab at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.
The ladies of Accelagen taking a closer look at what's under the Interceptor's hood.
Phill, Nigel, Rocco, Adama, and Lucas looking gritty with the Interceptor.
The Accelagen team following their roundtable interview.
Gowned up and ready to explore the lab.
Who photographs the photographer?
Mark is letting Lucas do all the hard work today.
The Road Warriors en route to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre.