Launch of Lowy Cancer Research Centre

Australia's first integrated cancer research facility - the Lowy Cancer Research Centre - will be officially opened this Friday 28 May.

One of the largest cancer research facilities in the world, the Centre will house up to 400 scientists from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research (CCIA). Scientists will focus on taking discoveries in the lab and turning them into better cancer treatments. The Centre currently has three cancer therapies in clinical trials.

The Centre is home to two winners of the state's top cancer research prize and several of its leading scientists were recognised in the 2010 NSW Premier's awards for outstanding cancer research.

The $127 million facility has been generously supported by Mr Frank Lowy and family and the NSW and Commonwealth governments. Mr Lowy and his family will attend the launch along with government representatives.

Childhood cancer survivor Krystel Keller will lead an Australian Youth Choir performance at the event and is available for interview.

What: Official launch of the Lowy Cancer Research Centre
When: 10am, Friday 28 May 2010
Where: University of New South Wales - Gate 9, High Street Randwick*Parking is available at Gate 11, Botany Street, Randwick

About Krystel Keller When Krystel was 6 months old she was diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma (cancer of the eyes). By the age of 2 she had become completely blind. She is an accomplished singer/songwriter, motivational speaker, CCIA Youth Ambassador and three times Australia Day Ambassador. She is 25 years old.

Media contact: Steve Offner, UNSW Media Office | 02 9385 8107 | 0424 580 208 | s.offner@unsw.edu.au