The research capability of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre will be further enhanced with the inclusion of a number of world-class research agencies who will occupy Level 13 of the new complex.
Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy, today announced details of the organisations that have secured a coveted place in the state-of-the-art VCCC following a worldwide search.
Level 13 will become the Ian Potter Centre for new Cancer Treatments and provide a home for the Peter Mac led Immunotherapy Research Program, the Australian Genome Research Facility, the Cooperative Research Centre for Cancer Therapeutics and the Innovative Clinical Trials Centre.
These organisations will work collaboratively with other research groups and cancer experts at the VCCC to quickly translate the latest breakthroughs in cancer research into clinical practice, delivering even better care and outcomes for patients.
Level 13 will also be home to the new International Cancer Research Centre where partnerships will be forged with other research entities and global studies and trials will be promoted. They will be joined by the National Proton Beam Therapy Centre who will continue its work to establish Australia’s first Proton Beam Therapy Centre.
The Ian Potter Foundation gifted $15 million in support of cancer research as part of the VCCC Project, and the gift spearheaded the VCCC philanthropic fundraising effort.
The Australian Genome Research Facility is a founding member of the Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance, which received $25 million from the Andrews Labor Government in last year’s State Budget.
The landmark VCCC Project is delivering a $1 billion purpose-built facility that will drive future innovations in cancer research, treatment, care and education.
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre patients and staff last month moved into the VCCC. It will be officially opened on July 17.
The VCCC will host up to 1200 cancer researchers, featuring new state-of-the-art cancer research and clinical facilities for Peter Mac, Melbourne Health, research facilities for the University of Melbourne and education facilities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“The Ian Potter Centre for New Cancer Treatments is the cherry on top for our state-of-the-art VCCC. The organisations chosen for the 13th floor epitomises our commitment to support world class medical research, clinical trials and new treatments.”
“The work happening on this floor will be dedicated to developing cutting-edge treatments and technology to better the lives of all Victorians touched by cancer.”
Professor Joe Trapani, Executive Director of Cancer Research
“Immunotherapy is the first totally new treatment modality for cancer in over 50 years, and is already revolutionising cancer care as we know it.”
“The VCCC is bringing together hundreds of leading researchers focused on these new frontiers and united by the goal for vastly improved cancer treatments.”
Professor Sean Grimmond, Bertalli Chair in Cancer Medicine, University of Melbourne
“The Genomics Innovation Hub will provide the critical next-generation technology and the vital analytics capacity across research, diagnostics, technology, bioinformatics and industry partnerships in order to cross the ‘technology chasm’ which might otherwise afflict Australian cancer researchers.”
Professor Nick Samaras, Deputy Chairman, Australian Genomics Research Facility
“In global terms, Australia has been late to the genomics revolution, so early access to disruptive new technologies is crucial to Australia’s global competitive advantage. The Hub establishes the necessary foundations for future advances in the global effort to transform cancer research and treatment.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020