A special Monday Lunch Live will be held on 22 July for this year’s Picchi Award recipients to present their award-winning research work and future goals.
Supervisors, mentors, colleagues, collaborators, friends and family are encouraged to attend the prestigious event and be inspired by the next generation of cancer research leaders.
The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) together with the Picchi Brothers Foundation, will award three outstanding VCCC alliance member PhD students with a Picchi Award in Basic Science, Clinical Science or Population Health.
At $10,000 each, the award is of significant value, however, it is the premise of the award that demonstrates real value – recognising and rewarding potential towards research independence.
Rewarding potential in cancer research
Dr Simone Park was the 2018 Basic Science Picchi Award winner, “I’m extremely grateful to have had my work and its significance recognised by the Picchi Award – it really motivates me to keep working towards making new discoveries in cancer research. It is an award that values all levels of cancer research, providing a lot of opportunity for students,” she said.
“The unique difference is that the Picchi Award focuses not only on your research achievements but also your potential, providing funding for you to support your future direction,” Dr Park said.
Making connections to extend research outcomes
Dr Park’s research at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital), involves understanding local immune responses against cancer. Her PhD research contributed to the discovery that T cells have the ability to halt the growth of melanoma cells.
“My research involves producing and analysing big data; this involves developing techniques and advanced technologies that are constantly evolving. Making connections with people in the field to actively contribute and stay abreast of progress means having to travel to the US and Europe. The Picchi Award provides me with a way to make this happen,” Dr Park said.
Applauding achievements to date
Join us in rewarding our 2019 Picchi Awards for Excellence in Cancer Research winning cancer researchers on Monday 22 July, 1-2pm (light lunch provided from 12.30pm).
VCCC Clinical Trials Lead and Board Member of the Picchi Brothers Foundation, Professor Mark Rosenthal will host the event including presentation of awards by Joseph Lukaitis, Chair of the Picchi Brothers Foundation, talks from each of the three winners and an exploration of the benefit and impact of past award winners.
Register today to be a part of this special event.
