Top QIMR Berghofer researcher to head new national brain cancer taskforce

Professor Adele Green AC has been appointed to lead a new national advisory body established to improve quality of life for patients with brain cancer.

Health Minister Greg Hunt announced today that Professor Green, who is the head of QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute’s Cancer and Population Studies Group, would head the newly formed Australian Brain Cancer Mission Strategic Advisory Group.

Professor Green’s appointment as an independent chair was in recognition of her significant and outstanding contributions to medical research.

The advisory body will work with Cancer Australia to provide strategic advice and guidance on defeating brain cancer, with a focus on doubling survival rates and improving quality of life for patients over the next decade.

QIMR Berghofer director and CEO, Professor Frank Gannon, said Professor Green would bring a depth of experience to the challenge of tackling brain cancer.

He said she was a world leader in research into cancer prevention, in particular skin cancer, as well as a former Queensland Australian of the Year.

“Professor Green is an outstanding appointment to the new advisory group,” he said.

“It is fantastic to see a top researcher from QIMR Berghofer leading the way to find a national solution to the deadly and debilitating burden of brain cancer.”

The Australian Brain Cancer Mission Strategic Advisory Group comprises brain cancer patients, clinicians, researchers, co-investors and industry representatives, and a member of the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Australian Medical Research Advisory Board.

The new body will also provide advice on emerging national and international issues and identify and advise on opportunities to maximise investment within the scope of the Australian Brain Cancer Mission’s strategic goals.

Mr Hunt announced the creation of the Australian Brain Cancer Mission in October last year, pledging $50 million to the scheme under the Medical Research Future Fund.

It is a partnership between the Australian government, philanthropists, researchers and clinicians, patients and their families, with the Minderoo Foundation committing $10 million and the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation committing $20 million to support its work.

Professor Green has previously been chairwoman and a member of multiple committees at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), including the IARC Scientific Council.