Shooting for moon and showcasing cancer developments
23 February 2024
Some of Peter Mac’s brightest minds showcased the latest in cancer treatments and research for the US Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, today.
Researchers and clinicians joined with staff from the VCCC Alliance, University of Melbourne and The Brain Centre at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute to the highlight developments in cancer care being led here in Melbourne.
Peter Mac Chief Executive, Professor Jason Payne, said the visit was a great opportunity to highlight the breadth and quality of work taking place at Peter Mac, alongside colleagues from our partners around the Parkville Precinct.
"Peter Mac has so many ties to the United States, and whether they be to other hospitals, research institutes or funding bodies,” Professor Payne said.
'They all help us to advance and improve our work.
“This was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the US which is continuing to advance their ‘Cancer Moonshot’ initiative under President Biden," he said.
Ambassador Kennedy visited Peter Mac’s new Ambulatory Cell Therapies Unit, Wellbeing Centre, Nuclear Medicine facilities and Research labs, meeting with staff who have received millions of dollars in research support from the US Department of Defence.
Earlier this month, the Ambassador highlighted the collaboration between the US and Australia as part of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative.
“Like every family, my family and Embassy families have lost too many people we love to cancer,” Ambassador Kennedy said.
“In September 2022, on the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s Moonshot speech, President Biden relaunched the Cancer Moonshot - an ambitious, whole-of-government effort to end cancer as we know it.
“We know that no one country can end the fight against cancer alone, and the United States has no better partner in this fight than Australia.
“This initiative will highlight the work being done in both the United States and Australia to advance research, share best practices and improve the lives of people with cancer, survivors and their families,” she said.
You can read more about just some of the research taking place at Peter Mac through the grants from the US Department of Defense below: