What legacy can we leave future generations?
It is hard to think back at a time when polio was quite prevalent. For those who know people affected it's a powerful thing to know it has been virtually eradicated – this can only happen with an investment in medical research.
Scientists at the Children's Medical Research Institute aim to understand human development by looking at the very basic structure … genes. Why? Because only through that knowledge can better treatments or medicines improve.
Professor Peter Rowe, Director of the Institute was actually trained as a medical doctor as well as being a scientist. He has a broad understanding of all aspects of genetic disorders – how they affect the body and at what stage they may start to manifest.
His particular interests lie in human development and he has established areas of research which explore the range mechanisms impacting on health and development.
Among the specialist areas at CMRI are Embryology – looking at how genes control development in the third week after fertilisation – a most crucial time for investigating the causes of congenital defects such as cleft palate. There is also a Developmental Neurobiology and Cell Biology looking at the nervous system – how the brain, spinal cord and nerves at early stages even give an insight into how diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinson's, epilepsy and motor neuron disease can be better treated or prevented in the future.
Of course another area of the Institute attracting attention for its achievements is the Cancer Research Unit. It is headed by an Australian scientist who has truly put our research results at the forefront of international scientific research, particularly what makes cancer cells “immortal”.
The CMRI are leaders in their field of genetic research and are well-known internationally and respected for their work.
And it is not only about scientists – it is also about partnerships in the community. Supporters come from everywhere to demonstrate they too are prepared to put in some effort or a donation to this important field of medical study.