May 28, 2018 Print
More than 350 guests celebrated as the Westmead Institute for Medical Research turned 21 on Saturday 26 May.
Special guest, former Australian of the Year and Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty attended the event and extended his congratulations to the Institute.
“[The Westmead Institute for Medical Research] is a terrific asset for Western Sydney and for Australia. Congratulations to everyone who has been involved in, and supported, this great enterprise,” he said.
Other dignitaries joined the celebrations at Oatlands House, including NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research, the Hon Brad Hazzard MP; and Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Andrew Wilson, who both extended message of support and congratulations.
(L-R) Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty, Professor Tony Cunningham, Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson
Professor Tony Cunningham, Executive Director of the Westmead Institute said the evening was a celebration of the Institute’s proud history and achievements.
“This is an exciting year for the Westmead Institute – we’re 21 and of course we’re celebrating! We are celebrating our history and achievements and we are looking towards a bright future.
“Over the past 21 years our researchers have made significant breakthroughs in some of the biggest health issues facing our society, including breast and ovarian cancer, melanoma, leukaemia, diabetes, HIV, multiple sclerosis, kidney and liver diseases, heart and respiratory diseases, and mental health.
“Thank you to all out guests who joined us to mark this important occasion, including community members, business leaders, politicians, partners from the University of Sydney and the Westmead Hospital, colleagues from the Children’s Medical Research Institute and the Children’s Hospital Westmead, patients of the Westmead Hospital, and our researchers, staff and students.
“Together, we have built this Institute – 21 years young – that now holds a pre-eminent position in health and medical research in New South Wales and Australia.
“Together, we will show that the Westmead Institute can thrive for the next twenty, fifty and one hundred years,” Professor Cunningham concluded.
