Medical research ‘speed dating’ at Centenary Institute

21 October, 2022

Events

The Centenary Institute has given members of the public, school students and stakeholders the opportunity to find out what it’s like to be a scientist – and to better understand what it takes to be at the cutting-edge of medical discovery – with its unique ‘speed dating’ event, held as part of the Spark Festival.

Stationed at multiple tables, researchers and attendees were able to sit down one-on-one to discuss medical research behind the scenes. After five minutes of conversation, attendees could move on to another table and chat with another researcher working in a differing area.

Talking directly with Centenary researchers, attendees found out about the efforts being made to better understand diseases such as COVID-19, tuberculosis, cancer and emphysema, as well the work being done to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to both improve and to save lives.

Event facilitator Professor Chris Semsarian AM, Head of the Centenary Institute’s Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology said it was extremely pleasing to be able to introduce the Institute’s innovative researchers to such interested individuals from the wider community.

“Centenary’s research spans a diverse range of disease areas with a key focus on cancer, inflammation and cardiovascular disease,” said Professor Semsarian.

“Our amazing scientists enjoyed a fantastic evening sharing their knowledge about these critical disease areas and the efforts being made to improve the future of human health. There was an amazing energy in the room and to see the widespread interest in what we do as an Institute was truly uplifting.”

Australia’s festival of innovation, technology and ideas, the Spark Festival aims to showcase the growth of thriving new economy businesses and established hi-tech organisations that are benefiting society.