The ACRF Centre for Therapeutic Target Discovery was launched by the Victorian Innovation Minister, Gavin Jennings, and Health Minister, Daniel Andrews on the 29th January 2009. Funded by a grant from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF), the Centre is a new "lab bench to bedside" endeavour that brings together the complementary strengths of five major research and clinical organizations: the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI); the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; the Royal Women's Hospital; the Royal Melbourne Hospital; and the University of Melbourne.
Left to Right: Mr David Brettell (ACRF CEO and Trustee), Assoc Prof Geoff Lindeman (Clinical Director of ACRF CTTD), Mr Tom Dery (ACRF Chairman and Trustee), Lady Sonia McMahon (ACRF Trustee), Mr Carillo Gantner (ACRF Trustee), Mr Greg Camm (ACRF Trustee)
The ACRF, established by the late Sir Peter Abeles in 1984, awarded its largest ever grant of $5 million - made in honour of Sir Peter - to establish the new Parkville facility. At the launch, hosted at WEHI, ACRF Chairman, Tom Dery, said that the ACRF Centre for Therapeutic Target Discovery (CTTD) is creating a scientific cornerstone for the comprehensive cancer centre to be established in Parkville.
Minister Jennings said that the CTTD would be an important link in Victoria's chain of world-class research and treatment facilities, further strengthening the state's reputation as a global centre for medical research and healthcare solutions. Minister Andrews added that the ACRF investment was wonderful news, considering that every year 106,000 Australians are diagnosed with cancer, which is responsible for 30 per cent of all deaths nation-wide.
Professor Suzanne Cory, Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, said, "WEHI is enormously proud to be a partner in this innovative development, which will focus substantial scientific and medical firepower upon the target of cancer. Internationally, there is a strong trend for partners with specialised talents to contribute to a comprehensive group that can tackle problems from start to finish. This trend is now reflected locally in the partnership and structure of the ACRF Centre for Therapeutic Target Discovery, which will expedite the translation of basic scientific discoveries into clinical therapies, for the tremendous benefit of cancer patients. On behalf of WEHI, I extend my deep thanks to the ACRF, whose far-sighted financial support has made this important undertaking possible."
