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Evidence that the convergence between the physical and life sciences is taking shape in Australia was on display at a workshop at the University of Melbourne last week. The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the Faculty of Science and the Melbourne School of Engineering jointly organized the Convergence in Cancer Research Initiative. Significantly, this was the first time these faculties have come together to facilitate a joint, multidisciplinary collaborative approach to address a major health issue.
The impetus for this event was the soon-to-be –established Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), a $1 billion initiative announced by the Australian and Victorian Governments in 2009. The centre is a joint venture between seven members – the University of Melbourne, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne Health, the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Melbourne and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. By bringing together leading institutions in research, cancer treatment and education, the VCCC will become the largest cancer clinical and research centre in Australia.
The workshop, attended by 60 researchers, was presented by a vision for cancer research at the University by Professor Jim Bishop AO, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) and Professor of Cancer Medicine at the University. Professor Bishop, one of Australia’s leading oncologists, was formerly the Australian Chief Medical Officer. Fundamental to this vision was a convergence approach bringing together expertise from a number of disciplines across the University. Those present represented biologists, chemists and biochemists, computer scientists, mathematicians, physicists, pathologists, clinicians and electronics engineers.
The workshop concluded with a series of recommendations from the three parallel sessions, which included mechanisms for meeting regularly and how project ideas could be progressed. An important outcome from the proceedings was an indication from the three faculties that funding for new collaborative projects would be available and subject to a selection process.
The ICT for Life Sciences Forum applauds the University’s initiative. We will watch developments with interest and regularly report on progress. We encourage other universities and institutions to embrace the challenge and opportunities that the convergence paradigm presents. Australia stands to be a major beneficiary.
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