The Wesley Research Institute

News

Downloads

If you would like any further information about any of the featured news stories or The Wesley Research Institute’s photo library, please contact Colleen McMillan on 07 3232 6289.

Please click here to join our mailing list to receive a free quarterly publication detailing the latest news and research updates at The Wesley Research Institute.

March 2007

Official Opening of The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank and Clinical Trials Centre

The Premier of Queensland, Mr Peter Beattie, officially opened two new Wesley Research Institute facilities that will provide a significant boost to Queensland medical research on Tuesday 6 March.

The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank and the new Clinical Trials Centre will contribute directly to state and national research priority areas of cancer research, preventative healthcare, and development of emerging healthcare technologies. Read more >>

February 2007

Symposium on Motor Neurone Disease

The Wesley Research Institute held a symposium titled ‘Motor Neurone Disease – Benchtop to Bedside’, proudly sponsored by ResMed, on Tuesday 20 February.

More than 300 clinicians, allied health professionals, and scientists attended the event, which addressed the diagnosis, care and genetic components of Motor Neurone Disease. The Hon Dianne Reilly MP, State Member for Mudgeeraba and Patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, was in attendance.

Chair of The Wesley Research Institute’s Research Committee and the symposium, Dr Pamela McCombe, said the evening was to discuss research findings that may improve the care of patients with this tragic disease that is so costly to the Queensland community.

Speakers included experts in the field of motor neurone disease from the University of Queensland, the Queensland Brain Institute, Blue Care Queensland and the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and Prince Charles Hospital.

January 2007

Institute funds four new research projects
The findings from these new projects by Wesley physicians will lead to improved treatment for patients.
- Dr Glen Gole - Understanding the pathology of a common eye disorder of children
- Dr Alan Porter - More accurate diagnosis of a common type of breast cancer
- Dr Scott Kitchener - Rapid, low cost detection of cervical cancer in women in a developing nation
- Dr John Allan - Asymptomatic upper genital tract infections in infertile couples and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes
Congratulations to the successful applicants whose projects will commence 1 January 2007.
2007 Justin Cameron Cancer Care Foundation award winner announced

The deserving winner of the 16th annual Justin Cameron Cancer Care Foundation presentation was The Wesley Research Institute’s recently established Tissue Bank.

The Tissue Bank will collect cancer specimens to help researchers worldwide unlock the mysteries of diseases, especially cancer.

The largest facility of its kind in Queensland, the Tissue Bank will use state-of-the-art technology to provide researchers with an invaluable resource for investigating the origins and development of cancer and other diseases.

Tissue Bank Manager, Wendy-Jane Murray, gratefully accepted the award at a presentation on 10 January 2007.

The Wesley Research Institute administers the Justin Cameron Cancer Care Foundation in memory of Justin Cameron who lost his fight against Ewings Sarcoma at age 16. The bursaries are announced each year on 10 January, the anniversary of Justin’s birthday.

December 2006

Quiet achiever wins Premier’s Award for Outstanding Service

Mrs Joan Webber, President of The Wesley Hospital Auxiliary, was recently honoured with a Premier’s Award for Queensland Seniors, for her 41 years of outstanding voluntary service to the community.

Mrs Webber’s introduction to volunteering began in 1965 and since then she has been instrumental in raising funds at The Wesley Hospital to fund infrastructure and to acquire vital medical equipment. Read more >>
Anthony Warlow visits The Wesley Research Institute

Anthony Warlow, one of Australia’s greatest entertainers, visited The Wesley Research Institute on Friday 1 December 2006.

Drawing on his personal experience battling lymphoma in the 1990s, Anthony delivered a heartfelt address to a number of people involved in cancer related research at the Institute, as well as a groups of cancer patients.

Anthony is a strong supporter of medical research and expressed a keen interest in the Institute’s hands-on research, which is dedicated to improving patient care and easing pain and suffering.

Institute Director, Professor Julie Campbell, was delighted by his visit.

“While we are investigating causes and treatments for disease, we are grateful for people like Anthony Warlow for sharing their personal stories of heartache and triumph over cancer… this helps to raise awareness, funds and lifts the spirit of so many people’, she said.

Special thanks go to Councillor Judy Magub who greatly assisted the Institute by sponsoring this event.
Wesley Research Clinical Trials Centre and Tissue Bank construction completed

Construction of The Wesley Research Institute’s Clinical Trials Centre and Tissue Bank was recently completed in December 2006.

The Wesley Research Institute Clinical Trials Centre is a purpose-built and designed facility dedicated to conducting clinical trials. The Centre will ensure patients have access to the latest, most advanced drugs and treatments and provide clinicians with a comprehensive range of resources to help build a healthier community.

The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank will collect cancer specimens to help researchers worldwide unlock the mysteries of diseases, especially cancer. The largest facility of its kind in Queensland, the Tissue Bank will use state-of-the-art technology to provide researchers with an invaluable resource for investigating the origins and development of cancer and other diseases.

The official opening of these facilities with Premier Peter Beattie will take place on 6 March 2007.
Study boosts breast cancer patients’ quality of life

A group of doctors at The Wesley Research Institute is conducting groundbreaking research as part of an Australian and New Zealand study that has the potential to dramatically reduce the pain and suffering of women with early breast cancer. Read more >>

November 2006

Wesley Research bowled over by cricket

In a world first, 3 Mobile Ashes Series Monopoly has arrived in SuperCheap Auto stores nationwide from 23 November 2006. So, for just the roll of the dice, cricket’s ultimate prize – the Ashes – could be yours!

This Cricket Australia Charity Edition is an exciting new version of the world’s favourite board game, and will no doubt be one of the most wanted gifts this Christmas. Read more >>
2006 Institute Achievements Dinner

Celebrating the road ahead ... and our journey so far.
The second annual Institute Achievements Dinner, proudly sponsored by Pfizer, was held at Hillstone, St Lucia on Wednesday 22 November and proved to be a great success.

The Institute paid tribute to the doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals who are improving clinical practices through medical research at the Institute. The extremely generous individuals and companies who support our research were also recognised at the event.

It was a wonderful evening of fine food and wine, with Rod Young from Channel Seven as the MC, entertainment from emerging talented new artist Anthony Snape and an exciting jazz performance from the Claire Walters Quartet.

Congratulations to Dr Bob Long who was presented with The Wesley Research Institute’s 2006 Researcher of the Year Award at the event.

September 2006

Queensland Monopoly a great success!

The Wesley Research Institute, along with The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, were the proud beneficiaries of sales of a limited edition Queensland Monopoly Board Game.

Our special thanks to McGuinness McDermott, Channel Seven Brisbane, B105, The Courier-Mail, Video Ezy, SuperCheap Auto, to all the other sponsors, and to everybody who purchased games. Thank you for your generous support!
A passion for fashion

On Wednesday 20 September 2006, Chalk Hotel at Woolloongabba was the only place to be for a fashionable fundraiser, featuring clothes by Brisbane designer Sacha Drake.

Red carpet… cocktails… fashion… art… jazz … this event had it all and proved to be a wonderful success raising more than $8,000, which will be applied directly to funding the Institute’s research projects.

Channel Seven’s Sofie Formica compered the event which will also featured raffle and auction items including a race day prize pack, tickets to Chalk Hotel’s Melbourne Cup function, and two tickets to the sold-out first Ashes test.

A big thank you to all those who came along and glammed it up on the night in support of our research. Our special thanks goes to Chalk Hotel and Sacha Drake for making the night possible.

August 2006

$10 million investment in research to improve health care

A $10 million grant from the State Government will help create a world-class research precinct that will lead the way in taking scientific discoveries from the lab to the bedside. Read more >>
Nutrition linked to better outcomes for cancer patients

Research conducted through The Wesley Research Institute by nutrition expert Dr Judy Bauer has earned international recognition for its findings that better nutrition can improve a range of outcomes for cancer patients. Read more >>

June 2006

Director receives AO

Director of The Wesley Research Institute, Professor Julie Campbell, was awarded an Office of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her distinguished service to science and education in Australia. Read more >>
Professor Campbell to lead science curriculum in Australian primary schools

Professor Campbell has been appointed honorary Secretary for Education and Public Awareness of the Australian Academy of Science. In this role she is responsible for implementing a new inquiry-based science education program, Primary Connections: Linking Science with Literacy, in primary schools across the country.

June 2006

The Atlantic Philanthropies grants $10M to The Wesley Research Institute

The Atlantic Philanthropies will grant $10M to The Wesley Research Institute based in Brisbane. Read more >>
The Wesley Research Institute to receive first Smart State Tissue Bank

Premier Peter Beattie announced during his recent US trade mission that The Wesley Research Institute will receive $1.42 million from the Smart State Research Facilities Fund to establish a world-class tissue bank that will allow Queensland researchers to study a diverse collection of cancer tissues. Read more >>
Board Member receives AM

Mrs Rosalie Martin has been appointed as a Member in the Order of Australia (AM) for her outstanding contribution and achievement in the fields of medical research, education and training, financial markets, and the arts. Read more >>