Morning tea for the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

Representatives from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute; ladies and gentlemen.

Kaye and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House this morning.

In some cases we welcome back familiar faces – indeed it is wonderful to once again meet with the many friends who offer support to the important work of the institute.   

I also acknowledge the attendance today of Mr Clive Berghofer, who has provided immeasurable support to the institute over many years, along with members of the institute’s Bancroft Society. 

For those who are not aware, members of the Bancroft Society pledge to leave a gift in their will to QIMR Berghofer.

Such a gift has the potential to improve lives throughout the world for many generations to come.

It is hard to think of a more lasting legacy.

As a truly home-grown Queensland success stories, QIMR Berghofer is now recognised as a world-leader in the field of medical research.

Over the years and in recent times QIMR Berghofer has achieved remarkable results and stunning breakthroughs.

The list is as long as it is impressive, so today I will mention just a few:

A risk predictor for melanoma that has so far enabled more than 200,000 people to discover early-stage melanomas before they spread.

Four world-first immunotherapy treatments currently in clinical trials for brain cancer, throat cancer, multiple sclerosis and viral complications caused by organ transplants.

A clinical trial to make bone marrow transplantation safer for patients with blood cancer.

A collaboration with Chinese professors that has resulted in the creation of ‘nano robots’ – made from DNA and protein – that target tumours to stop them growing.

These are all examples of the institute’s world-leading, life-saving work. 

As its immediate past Chair, I am very grateful to the immense talents of the institute’s dedicated researchers.

I am also very aware of the vital importance of donations from generous members of the community.

I encourage everyone here this morning to spread the news of the benefits of medical research, to introduce your friends and family to the institute, because the sharing of its magnificent achievements is critical to building and maintaining its support.

Once again, I thank you all for your generous support of Queensland’s own medical research institute, QIMR Berghofer, and extend a very warm welcome to Government House today.

Thank you.