New cancer research facility opens at UQ

A "state-of-the-art" cancer facility funded by a $1.2 million grant from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) was officially opened at The University of Queensland (UQ) today. 

The ACRF Dynamic Imaging Facility for Cancer Biology– the only one of its kind in Australia – was launched by Parliamentary Secretary to the Queensland Minister for Health, Jo-Ann Miller MP. 

The $1.2 million laboratory at UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) houses two technologically advanced microscope systems which will enable cutting-edge research into cancer biology. 

The IMB is at the forefront of the latest global advances in cancer research” said ACRF Trustee Mr Tim Crommelin in Brisbane today. 

“The work underway at this new facility is laying the groundwork for the kind of major advances in cancer research that the Australian Cancer Research Foundation is committed to funding,” he said. 

IMB Director, Professor John Mattick said the $1.2 million grant was testament to the ACRF`s foresight and commitment to invest in leading-edge cancer research facilities, and would improve Queensland's capacity to perform internationally competitive research. 

“The uniqueness of the ACRF Dynamic Imaging Facility lies in the capacity of the microscope systems to offer IMB researchers new insight into the complex chemical messages cancer cells use to ‘talk' to each other,“ said Professor Mattick. 

UQ's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor David Siddle congratulated the ACRF on their “far-sighted” commitment to funding initiatives that would help researchers to win the war on cancer. 

“There are a variety of agencies funding research but the ACRF is fulfilling a critical role by granting large awards for infrastructure and equipment” Professor Siddle said. 

The Australian Cancer Research Foundation – now in its 21st year of operation – has raised in excess of $36 million to support excellence in Australian research initiatives, and awarded grants totalling $6.3 million in the past two years. 

Individual ACRF grants exceed $1 million – a sum not available from other private sources in Australia - and continue to significantly contribute to drastic breakthroughs in the fight against cancer. 

Release online with background information at www.acrf.com.au