INVITED SPEAKERS.
SUZANNE CORY
Professor Suzanne Cory is one of Australia's most distinguished molecular biologists whose research has had major impact on the understanding of immunology and the development of cancer. She is currently a Research Professor in the Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division at WEHI and a Vice-Chancellor's Fellow of The University of Melbourne.
Together with Professor Jerry Adams and Professor David Vaux, Professor Cory discovered that bcl-2, the gene responsible for follicular lymphoma, promotes cell survival. This seminal discovery showed for the first time that cell survival and cell proliferation are under distinct genetic control and challenged the way we think about cancer development.
The knowledge generated from this landmark discovery helped define the field of apoptosis. In collaboration with colleagues at WEHI, Professor Cory's research has significantly advanced our understanding of this fundamental biological process. This has now led to the development of new and more effective therapeutics for cancer.
LIZ HARTLAND
Professor Elizabeth Hartland is currently Professor of Microbiology and Head of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne located in the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.
Her research focuses on the pathogenesis of infections caused by bacterial pathogens such as E. coli and Legionalla. Her group uncovered a novel mechanism employed by bacteria to circumvent the natural process of programmed cell death and hence cause infection.
The long term goal of her research is to uncover new host processes and structures targeted by bacteria during infection leading to the design and development of novel anti-infective agents to treat a range of infectious diseases.