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Are we any Closer to a Cure for Cancer–
and where is all that research money going?

 

With panelists Martin Lavin and Jonathon Fawcett

Compered by Michelle Riedlinger and Bernie Hobbs

Friday, October 20th 2000, 7:00-9:00pm

Dooley's Hotel, 394 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane

Join ABC's Bernie Hobbs and local science communicator Michelle Riedlinger as they extract the latest news on cancer research from talented guest scientists Professor Martin Lavin (Queensland Institute of Medical Research) and Professor Jonathon Fawcett (Princess Alexandra Hospital).

The search for a cure for cancer consumes a vast amount of resources. In Brisbane the massive Comprehensive Cancer Research Centre at QIMR will cost $55 million, including equipment and operating costs for the first 5 years. The Queensland Government has contributed $20 million and a site at Royal Brisbane Hospital, $20 million has been received from private donations with $10 million and $5 million from The QIMR Trust and Qld Leukaemia Foundation respectively. QIMR is still madly raising funds and the building is going up RIGHT NOW - on Herston Road.

Last week Channel Nine's "A Current Affair" featured the latest breakthrough to come out of QIMR research – the melanoma vaccine which is heading into the next phase of clinical trials with the recruitment of 100 patients. The program – along with an article in the Courier Mail – outlined the latest opportunity for investors: naming rights for the new building, to be offered to the highest bidder.

Science in the Pub promises to delve beneath the surface and see through the hype, deep into the reality of the highs and lows of cancer research. Lighthearted yet serious, informative yet entertaining. Hope to see you there!

Jonathan Fawcett is Associate Professor of Surgery and Consultant Surgeon, University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, and Deputy Director of the Queensland Liver Transplant Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane.

Professor Martin Lavin leads cancer research at QIMR.

Science in the Pub is an initiative of the Australian Science Communicators (NSW). Regular sessions are staged from 7.00-9.00 pm on the last Wednesday of every even month (February - October) at the Harlequin Inn, 152 Harris Street, Pyrmont in Sydney. We can organise Science in YOUR Pub anywhere in Australia, or the world! Please contact Robyn Stutchbury, phone: 02 9427 6747; fax: 02 9427 6767; email: Robyn Stutchbury on rstutch@bigpond.net.au.  Visit our website at http://www.scienceinthepub.com/.  Admission costs $5 worth of raffle tickets, your chance to win one of many excellent prizes!

 

Future Science in the Pub sessions (see the website for full details):

Friday 27 October, Imperial Hotel, Coonabarabran. 7.00–9.00 pm 'Astronomy's looking up - but where to?' With optical/infrared astronomer Michael Burton and radio astronomer Ray Norris. This event takes place during the yearly AstroFest at Coonabarabran. If you want to make a weekend of it, on Sunday October 29, at Coonabarabran High School, there will be the annual Bok Lecture, given by eminent astro-photographer David Malin, followed by a special edition of 'Starry Starry Night'.

 

Science in the Pub™, © 2000. Stutchbury, R, Burton, M.