Professor Elin Gray.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (the Perkins) have formalised a new affiliation agreement to advance melanoma research in Western Australia by co-hosting the Melanoma Discovery Chair.
Under the agreement, ECU Professor of Cancer Research Elin Gray, currently Deputy Director of the Centre for Precision Health and Head of the Translation Melanoma Research Group, will hold a joint appointment across both institutions.
The arrangement includes postdoctoral support funded through the Perkins, along with access for Professor Gray's team to new medical research funding opportunities and the world-class facilities within the QEII Medical Centre precinct.
This partnership recognises Professor Gray's internationally respected contributions to melanoma research and strengthens collaboration between ECU and Perkins to accelerate discoveries that improve outcomes for people affected by skin cancer.
Professor Gray's research focuses on melanoma, including a highly aggressive form of this cancer that affects the eye (uveal melanoma). Her team is developing liquid biopsy techniques to detect, monitor and characterise tumours, including using circulating tumour cells, circulating tumour DNA and extracellular vesicles to guide treatment decisions.
Professor Gray also heads a WA collaborative study to deliver the first in Australia manufactured tumour infiltrated lymphocytes (TIL) therapy to melanoma patients that have developed resistance to existing treatments. This consortium is funded by the Cancer Research Trust, Cancer Council WA, the Hospital Research Foundation and the Wind Over Water Foundation.
"It is an honour to take on this role. The appointment provides the opportunity to further consolidate melanoma research efforts in WA. For my team in particular, access to the cutting-edge facilities at the Perkins will enable a deep dive on the mechanistic understanding of melanoma and its interaction with the immune system in the search for personalised treatments," Professor Gray said.
Western Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world with over 1,300 people diagnosed each year. It is one of the deadliest cancers and is the cancer most likely to affect 15- to 39-year-old males. Malignant melanoma makes up only one to two per cent of all skin cancers but is classed as the most dangerous.
"The Perkins is pleased to partner with ECU and have Professor Gray on board in this important position," Perkins CEO Peter Leedman AO said.
"Elin joins us at an exciting time as our collaborative TIL (Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte) Therapy trial for melanoma continues, and the WA Kirkbride Melanoma Advisory Service at the Perkins moves into a new phase providing expert patient-centric melanoma consultation.
"This is the type of world-leading research and activity that we are focused on that would be further accelerated with the development of the Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre which will benefit everyone in Western Australia and beyond."
Executive Dean for the School of Medical and Health Sciences, Professor Moira Sim, said the appointment is a wonderful acknowledgement of Professor Gray's exceptional research leadership and international standing in melanoma science.
"ECU is proud to strengthen its collaboration with the Perkins through this affiliation, which will not only advance melanoma research in Western Australia but also create new opportunities for innovation and impact across the broader medical research community."
