Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research today said he was delighted to open the Peter MacCallum Pfizer Translational Oncology Research Collaborative Hub (TORCH) at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.
The TORCH will conduct cutting edge cancer research and will lead the way in the cancer treatments. It will focus on pre-clinical imaging research and novel targeted anti-cancer therapies.
The facility is a joint venture between Pfizer Australia and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
"The Rudd Government is committed to boosting the nation's research effort as a core part of our economic and social development," Senator Carr said.
"The collaborative research carried out at this new centre, based at the world-leading Peter MacCallum Centre, will contribute to better health outcomes for all Australians.
"Research matters because it has the power to save lives. Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Australia. Facilities like this are crucial if we are to advance our understanding about how to prevent, detect and treat cancer."
Pfizer has committed $15 million to support TORCH over the next three years.
"In this venture we now have the world's largest pharmaceutical company and Australia's largest and most prestigious cancer institute working as a team.
"This is a partnership that can only result in the improved health of the nation with flow on benefits to the rest of the world.
"Closer collaboration is the key to bridging the divide between industry and research communities. Australia needs to focus on its research strengths and encourage stronger relations between researchers, research institutions and industry.
"I commend Pfizer for supporting and fostering high quality collaborative medical research in Australia. I would encourage all pharmaceutical companies to continue to work more closely with our medical researchers," Senator Carr said.
The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre houses the largest cancer research group in Australia. It combines basic, translational and clinical research with patient care in a specialist cancer hospital.
Media contact: Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936