Centenary symposium celebrates year’s achievements

The event was hosted by Mr Joseph Carrozzi AM, Chair of the Centenary Institute and Professor Marc Pellegrini, Centenary’s Executive Director. Renowned broadcaster, journalist and health commentator Dr Norman Swan served as MC and opened symposium proceedings.

During the event Professor Pellegrini presented his inaugural end-of-year Director’s update and shared his positive vision for the Institute’s future. Mr Carrozzi also paid tribute to retiring Governor Mrs Josephine Sukkar AM noting her contribution to the Board and her passion and support for the Institute’s s researchers.

Guests at the symposium heard from three Centenary spokespeople who presented updates on their research and institute activities. Emma Singer spoke about her work with genetic heart disease and sudden cardiac death in young people; Dr Katrina Frankcombe spoke about the successful commercialisation of a new theranostic approach targeting cancer; and Dr Matt Johansen spoke about his latest COVID-19 and infectious diseases research.

The event concluded with the announcement and presentation of the annual Centenary Awards to staff recognising outstanding research and contributions to the Institute.

Award winners were:

The Translation and Commercialisation Award: The CDI radiopharmaceutical team led by Professor Phil Hogg

The Safety Award: Lan Lee, Risk and Compliance Manager

The Collaboration Award: Shared between the Finance and Operations Team and the Inclusion and Gender Equity Program Committee

The Bob Thorburn Outstanding Service Award: Shared between Matthew Murarotto, Building Services Manager and Danielle Moyes, Bioresources Supervisor