UNSW researchers top the state in cancer grants
UNSW researchers have topped the state in the 2015 Cancer Institute NSW Research Equipment Grants, winning a combined $1.7 million in funding.
Published on the 20 Aug 2015 by Amy Coopes
UNSW researchers have received $1.7m to develop the tools needed to gain new insights into cancer and develop novel treatments (iStock).
UNSW researchers have topped the state in the 2015 Cancer Institute NSW Research Equipment Grants, winning a combined $1.7 million in funding.
Professor Peter Gunning, head of UNSW Medicine’s Oncology Research Unit, and UNSW Conjoint Professor and Director of the CONCERT Translational Cancer Research Unit at the Ingham Institute, Paul de Souza, each received $500,000 for cutting edge fluorescence imaging and electron microscopy technology for their labs.
Professor Michelle Haber, Conjoint Professor at UNSW's School of Women’s and Children’s Health, was awarded $347,024 for a high-content imaging device to assist her work with precision cancer drugs.
Conjoint Professor Richard Lock, also at the School of Women’s and Children’s Health, won $339,500 for a high-throughput five-laser flow cytometer for cancer research and drug discovery.
The four UNSW grants were among 17 announced by NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner on Wednesday worth a total of $5.5 million.
“Through these grants we are providing out best research minds with the technologies they need to make ground-breaking discoveries, including personalised drug treatments, new therapies to block cancer growth and greater understanding of how cancer genes behave,” said Skinner.
NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Cancer Institute NSW chief Professor David Currow said NSW remained at the forefront of cancer discovery and discoveries made by the state’s researchers would have global benefits.
“This investment supports our scientists to enhance the quality of their research and broaden the scope of their work,” Professor Currow said.