Budding biomedical scientists can hear from cervical cancer pioneer and 2006 Australian of the Year, Professor Ian Frazer, at an information session hosted at The University of Queensland on September 23.
The event will inform potential postgraduates about the range of honours, masters and PhD projects available at UQ’s Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine, which Professor Frazer directs.
With a childhood fascination for pulling things apart and finding out what makes them work, Professor Frazer was destined to become a biomedical success story.
“Determination and persistence is needed for success as a scientist,” Professor Frazer said.
It took him and his colleagues 16 years from the initial development of virus-like particles to the national and global application of the world’s first cervical cancer vaccine in 2006.
The vaccine protects against about 70 percent of human papillomavirus-related cervical cancers, with more than 22 million doses of the vaccine having reached women in over 90 countries.
Given that 270,000 women around the world die every year from cervical cancer, Professor Frazer said the development of vaccines is the most effective public health measure available.
Those attending the session will also have the opportunity to find out what life is really like in the lab from current postgraduates, and meet other research leaders to discuss potential projects.
The talk will be held on Tuesday, September 23, from 3pm in the Kathleen Room, UQ Staff and Graduates Club (Bld 41), St Lucia. Afternoon tea will be provided.
Please register your interest by Friday, September 19 to d.fischer@uq.edu.au.
Media: Danielle Fischer (07 3240 6623, d.fischer@uq.edu.au)
