Centenary Institute

03/09/2025

Don't forget to register for our FREE in-person event Friday 5th September: Science for Sight | Shaping the Future of Eye Health.

Join us for an illuminating event that explores three complex eye conditions—Keratoconus, Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD), and Dry Eye Syndrome. We will delve through the lens of cutting-edge research and powerful patient stories.

Associate Professor Guy Lyons and Dr Mojdeh Abbas will share their groundbreaking work. They aim to develop regenerative medicine therapies for these debilitating eye conditions, including stem cell-infused contact lenses.

Leading eye surgeon and ophthalmologist Professor Stephanie Watson will lead a panel discussion. Melissa Dever will share her journey from misdiagnosis to life-changing surgery for keratoconus. Twenty-one-year-old Kiyara Weeratunga will describe life after severe Dry Eye Syndrome left her unable to work or live independently—highlighting the urgent need for new treatments.

Stay for networking and refreshments after the discussion. This is an in-person event only. Tickets are free, but registration is essential.

Register: https://www.centenary.org.au/event/science-for-sight-shaping-the-future-of-eye-health-and-research/

28/08/2025

Congratulations to Dr Bobby Boumelhem from our Centre for Cancer Innovations who has won both the People’s Choice Award, voted by members of the public, and Staff Pick Award, voted by Centenary staff, in our 2025 When Art Meets Science image prize.

‘Thermal Tapestry‘ (pictured - image two) won People's Choice, and reveals the hidden beauty of brown fat, a special type of fat that burns energy to keep us warm.

‘Colon Kaleidoscope’ (pictured - image three) won Staff Pick and unveils the inner workings of the colon in a diabetic non-human primate, captured through the lens of confocal microscopy.

To read more about our 2025 When Art Meets Science image prize and exhibition go to: https://www.centenary.org.au/news/striking-science-images-reveal-the-beauty-of-medical-research/

27/08/2025

Last chance to vote for your favourite scientific image in our 2025 People's Choice Award.

Entries close 11.59pm Wednesday 27 August.

Vote NOW: https://www.centenary.org.au/when-art-meets-science-2025/

26/08/2025

Discover Your Future in Medical Research

Are you passionate about science, innovation, and making a difference in healthcare? Join our virtual session for University of Sydney students and future students interested in a career in medical research.

📅 24 September
🕐 1.30–2.30pm AEST
💻 Online

Explore honours, masters and PhD opportunities at The Centenary Institute across diverse projects and labs: https://www.centenary.org.au/student-opportunities/

Hear from leading melanoma researcher and Acting Deputy Director Dr Jessamy Tiffen, PhD student & Student Association head Jinx Moore, and COO Nick Pearce about what it’s like to study and train at Centenary.

You’ll learn about:

✅ Study pathways & entry requirements
✅ Hands-on research opportunities
✅ Career prospects in medical research
✅ Student support & mentorship programs

This free, interactive event is your chance to ask questions, meet mentors, and discover how you can join the next generation of scientists driving breakthroughs in medicine.

Register today: https://www.centenary.org.au/event/virtual-student-session/

21/08/2025

Join us for a FREE in-person event exploring three complex eye conditions: Keratoconus, Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD), and Dry Eye Syndrome.

Associate Professor Guy Lyons and Dr Mojdeh Abbasi will share their groundbreaking regenerative medicine research, including the development of stem cell-infused contact lenses designed to restore vision and change lives.

📅 Date: Friday, 5 September, 2025
🕞 Time: 3:30pm
📍 Location: Rydges Camperdown

They’ll be joined by Professor Stephanie Watson OAM, world-leading ophthalmologist and corneal researcher, along with Melissa Dever, sharing her journey with keratoconus, and Kiyara Weeratunga, a 21-year-old navigating life with severe Dry Eye Syndrome. Together, they’ll bring both the science and the human stories that are shaping the future of eye health.

This is an in-person event only. Tickets are free, but registration is essential.

Register: https://www.centenary.org.au/event/science-for-sight-shaping-the-future-of-eye-health-and-research/

14/08/2025

This year's scientific image winners have been announced at Centenary's 2025 'When Art Meets Science' image prize and exhibition.

Established in 2009, the Centenary Institute’s image prize is awarded annually, with winners selected by an independent panel of external judges. This year's event was hosted by Sophie Scott OAM, award winning medical journalist, international speaker and educator.

The top prize for 2025 was awarded to the stunning image titled ‘Dark Transit’, submitted by Dr Angela Ferguson from the Institute’s Centre for Cancer Innovations.

Second place went to ‘Confetti Snowdome’, by Dr Mojdeh Abbasi from the Institute’s Centre for Cancer Innovations.

Third place was awarded to ‘Unseen Currents: Sudden Death in the Young’, submitted by PhD student Yuchen Chang from the Institute’s Centre for Cardiovascular Research.

Professor Marc Pellegrini, Executive Director of the Centenary Institute, said the images highlight not only the groundbreaking science taking place across the Institute but also the extraordinary visual beauty that often emerges in the pursuit of discovery.

Voting for the ‘People’s Choice Award’ is open to the public, closing on 27th August. View this year's entries and vote for your favourite: https://www.centenary.org.au/when-art-meets-science-2025/

A breathtaking collection of images capturing the wonder and complexity of medical science has been unveiled through the Centenary Institute’s 2025 When Art Meets Science image prize competition.

07/08/2025

A recent discovery from the Centenary Institute has been recognised as the 200th scientific breakthrough funded by cancer charity Tour de Cure Australia since it began supporting research in 2007.

The discovery, led by Dr Charles (Chuck) Bailey, Head of the Centenary Institute’s Centre for Rare Diseases and Gene Therapy, identified a previously unknown gateway into human cells, a receptor called AAVR2. The finding could pave the way for safer and more effective gene therapies for a range of serious conditions.

“I’m thrilled and deeply honoured that my team’s work marks Tour de Cure’s 200th funded breakthrough,” said Dr Bailey.

Funding from organisations like Tour de Cure is critical for researchers to pursue bold, early-stage ideas that traditional larger government grants often overlook.

The 200th achievement was celebrated at a reception at Government House attended by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, Tour de Cure and Dr Bailey.

Centenary is honoured to have delivered a Tour de Cure Australia milestone, and is grateful to the organisation's ongoing support and tireless fundraising efforts for cancer research.

A recent discovery from the Centenary Institute has been recognised as the 200th scientific breakthrough funded by cancer charity Tour de Cure since it began supporting research in 2007.

04/08/2025

Microscope Monday!

This image submitted by Dr Paul Coleman in our 2014 Scientific Image competition is entitled 'Vessel Volcano' and depicts a sprouting aortic ring explant. The red nuclei are non-proliferating cells and the yellow nuclei represent a proliferating cell.

31/07/2025

The Centenary Institute and announce a new philanthropic partnership to accelerate research into life-changing treatments for rare genetic diseases and cancers.

Professor Marc Pellegrini, Executive Director of the Centenary Institute, said the partnership is a powerful alignment of research and philanthropy.

“This collaboration brings together cutting-edge science with a shared mission to tackle some of the most challenging rare genetic diseases and cancers,” Professor Pellegrini said.

Diane Langmack OAM, Board Chair of Cure The Future Foundation, said she was proud to be partnering with the Centenary Institute to advance urgently needed research.

“This partnership is a really special moment for us. Working with the Centenary Institute means we’re helping push forward the kind of research that changes lives. It brings real hope to families facing serious illness and helps fast-track the discoveries that can make all the difference,” she said.

Funds raised by Cure The Future will support pioneering research led by Dr Charles (Chuck) Bailey and his team at the Centenary Institute’s Centre for Rare Diseases & Gene Therapy.

Centenary is grateful to the Cure the Future Foundation for its shared commitment to advancing world-leading medical research that delivers both hope and better health outcomes for people affected by rare diseases.

The Centenary Institute and Cure The Future Foundation have announced a new philanthropic partnership to accelerate research into life-changing treatments for rare genetic diseases and cancers.

30/07/2025

Our most recent annual report is available for review. Explore our key achievements, breakthroughs, discoveries and strategic approach for the future.

To view the latest, and also past reports, go to: https://www.centenary.org.au/about/corporate-information/annual-reports/

27/07/2025

Microscope Monday!

This image was submitted by Research Officer Angelina Lay in our 2020 Scientific Image competition.

The image entitled 'Tubulin Bands' highlights the different dynamic states of tubulin organization. Tubulin is one of the main components in platelet cytoskeleton proteins. Platelets are the key effector cells that initiate a blood clot in response to vessel injury. The platelets in this image have been stained for tubulin, one of the major protein of the platelet structure. Tubulin undergoes rapid re-reshuffling during platelet adhesion and spreading.