In 2023, WEHI was deeply honoured to receive a significant bequest from the late Neil Stanley Haysom. Neil’s sister-in-law, Lesley Haysom, remembers that Neil was interested in medical research as both his parents died from cancer. This generous gift has provided invaluable flexibility, enabling WEHI to allocate resources towards our highest priorities.
Neil’s bequest has been instrumental in supporting 17 lab heads at WEHI, each dedicated to diseases and conditions that impact millions worldwide, from Parkinson’s disease and dementia to rare and incurable cancers. These labs are at the forefront of scientific inquiry, striving to unlock new insights and develop innovative treatments that can transform lives.
Neil’s generosity also supports 15 enabling platform technology labs that play a crucial role in supporting WEHI researchers. These include the Advanced Genomics Facility, which provides indispensable help in accessing cutting-edge genomics technology, and the Antibody Facility, which provides tailor-made antibodies essential for our investigations. These enabler labs, staffed by experienced and multidisciplinary teams, ensure that our researchers have the tools and resources needed to pursue their bold and imaginative ideas.
Two lab heads supported by Neil’s bequest are Dr Maria Tanzer and Associate Professor Michael Lazarou.
Dr Tanzer leads her team in exploring the body’s capacity to heal from inflammation using advanced high-sensitivity proteomics (the study of proteins) techniques.
Associate Professor Lazarou’s research focuses on understanding the relevance of cellular processes to Parkinson’s disease. He looks closely at autophagy, the process by which our cells break up and recycle their parts, and quality control of mitochondria, the parts of our cells that make energy. His team’s dedication to unravelling the intricacies of these processes offers hope for the development of new treatments.
Neil Stanley Haysom’s legacy extends beyond his philanthropy. A successful Melbourne architect, he led a quiet yet remarkable life, enjoying a love of music through playing the piano. From humble beginnings to his tenure under Sir Roy Grounds on iconic projects such as the National Gallery of Victoria and Arts Centre Melbourne, Neil’s contributions to the architectural landscape of Melbourne are profound.
WEHI continues to honour the memory of the late Neil Stanley Haysom through our unwavering dedication, patience and creativity aimed at discovering cures to the world’s most devastating diseases.
To read more about gifts in Wills at WEHI go to www.wehi.edu.au/wills
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Header image: Dr Maria Tanzer (left) and Associate Professor Michael Lazarou (right).
