Celebrating over 30 years of pioneering research

Celebrating over 30 years of pioneering research at the Malaghan Institute
24 July 2009

Sunday, 26 July 2009, marks 30 years since the official opening of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, New Zealand’s premier vaccine and immunology research centre.

The Malaghan Institute is a registered charity and is based at Victoria University of Wellington’s Kelburn campus.

Scientists at the Malaghan Institute believe the key to fighting illness lies in harnessing the immune system, the body’s own natural defence against disease.

“History and recent events have taught us that basic research into the cellular and molecular mechanisms which underlie disease represents the best way for serving our community and the wellbeing of future generations,” said Institute Director, Prof Graham Le Gros.

For over three decades the Institute has upheld its original commitment to develop more effective therapies for the treatment of cancer. The outcome of which has been its involvement in clinical trials for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, melanoma and glioblastoma (brain cancer). More recently the Malaghan Institute has extended its original research programmes to incorporate the development of immune-based strategies to treat asthma, allergy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and infectious disease.

Prof Le Gros acknowledges the significant contribution the Malaghan Institute has made to the New Zealand health research scene. “Although comparatively small by international standards, our scientists continue to compete strongly against larger, better funded organisations,” he said. “This is evident in our excellent publication record and in the fact that our scientists are actively being sought after for involvement in global collaborative research programmes and to advise on relevant government initiatives.”

In the late 1960s the Institute was known as the Wellington Cancer and Medical Research Institute and was housed in rented premises in the Wellington School of Medicine. In 1986 the name of the Institute was changed to the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in recognition of the generous support by the late Mr Len Malaghan and Mrs Ann Malaghan. Two decades later the Institute relocated to its current purpose-built facility at Victoria University. During this time the Institute has grown from a base of 10 individuals to its current size of approximately 80 scientists and support staff.

To celebrate its 30-year history of cutting-edge health research, the Malaghan Institute will be holding an Open Day for all interested members of the public on Sunday, 9 August 2009 from 11 am to 3 pm. Tours of the Institute’s state-of-the-art research laboratories will run at regular intervals throughout the session.

If you are interested in attending the Malaghan Institute’s Open Day or would like further information, please send your name and contact details to Vicky Hale on vhale@malaghan.org.nz or by phone on 04 499 6914 ext 821.

Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to see science in action at the Malaghan Institute’s world-class research facility.

ENDS

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