Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research

08/12/2025

On Friday, we were delighted to host Professor Sharath Sriram, Chief Scientist of Western Australia at Perkins North.

With a keen interest in STEM in schools, and leading the charge to promote WA’s science credentials, Prof Sriram was given a tour of the Lotterywest BioDiscovery Centre at the Perkins – a purpose-built PC2-compliant lab visited by around 3000 high school students annually to engage them in science and encourage careers STEM.

Prof Sriram also received firsthand updates from teams developing innovative biomechanical solutions for cancer and cardiovascular patients. Dr Qi Fang explained how the BRITElab is harnessing high intensity imaging to develop a camera to be used in breast cancer surgery that will enable surgeons to detect better margins during biopsy surgeries.

And A/Prof Elena M De-Juan-Pardo and her team in the T3mPLATE lab showed Prof Sriram how they’re using their own 3D printers to create replacement heart valves that intricately and exquisitely mimic human heart valves.

Following his tour of the labs, Prof Sriram met with Perkins Chair The Hon Ben Morton and Perkins CEO Prof Peter Leedman AO for an overview of how the Perkins is tackling some of the big questions in the hardest-to-treat cancers, cardiovascular disease and genetics and genomics, as well get getting an update on the proposed Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre. The Perkins has been working with stakeholders and WA Government to finalise the business case for the Comprehensive Cancer Centre that will bring a new level of research-based clinical trials and cancer care to West Australians.

Our thanks to Prof Sriram for his interest in the groundbreaking work being done at the Perkins, and his ongoing support for WA research that’s changing lives across our State and beyond.

04/12/2025

Have you seen the influx of tanned models promoting summer fashion as part of Black Friday sales? There’s no such thing as a safe tan. 👇

Melanoma researchers at the Perkins are on the front line of the fight against “Australia’s National Cancer”. We know the dangers of exposure to the sun, and the glamourisation of sunburns and the unshakeable idea in Aussie culture that tanning is ‘good’ and harmless is disheartening. Especially as it seems to be targeting young people.

According to the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne’s child health poll, almost a quarter of Aussie kids falsely believe having a tan will protect them from long-term damage and skin cancer. It’s no secret that WA has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world, with over 1,300 people diagnosed each year. It’s also the most likely cancer to affect 15 to 39 year olds.

As we head into summer, please be sun safe. No amount of tanning is safe – it’s your skin’s response to harm from the sun. And please let the young people in your life know that by taking precautions now and protecting themselves from harmful UV damage, they could be saving their own life.

The team in the Melanoma Discovery Lab are working hard on therapies to better understand melanoma, especially for those whose melanoma does not respond to standard treatment protocols, but the best way to treat skin cancer is to be proactive and preventative. Wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days, and reduce your exposure.

There’s a 🔗 in the comments with more handy information about melanoma that you can share with others.

24/11/2025

What do you get when around 200 people take to the pool for a 12-hour team swimming relay? An enormous amount of fun in the name of a serious cause - raising over $300K for medical research. That's the Perkins Plunge powered by Mineral Resources, which wrapped at 6am on Sunday morning!

Highlights included:
💪 the Hour of Power - which team completed the most laps in an hour? (93 was our winning score - that's 4.65km!)
🛟 Floaty Frenzy - which team could swim four lengths the fastest on a floaty of their choice?
💦 the Daily Splash - which team could swim four lengths without getting their newspaper wet?

Thank you to every one who swam, to your overnight supporters, and your families and friends who helped you reach your fundraising targets and your training goals. We can't wait to share what's in store for 2026!

14/11/2025

"You have cancer." Every year, more than 14,000 West Australians will hear those words.

While there have been many advances in treating some cancers, the hardest-to-treat cancers are still taking our loved ones far too soon.

That’s why we’re asking you to email your MP and urge them to support the Perkins proposed Comprehensive Cancer Centre for West Australians.

While cancer treatment and care from doctors and nurses in Western Australia is world-standard, it is fragmented, disconnected and under pressure. The Perkins Comprehensive Cancer Centre for WA will provide world-leading research-driven care, putting you at the centre of your cancer treatment. Nowhere else in WA does this.

The Federal Government has already committed $375 million towards the Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Now, we need your support to urge the WA Government to match those funds so you and your loved ones can get the best cancer treatment, like they do in other states.

You can find out more about the proposed Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre and how it will help West Australians here:

🔗 www.perkins.org.au/email-your-mp

29/10/2025

📢 Important announcement for fundraisers interested in joining Team Perkins at the Abbott World Marathon Majors Sydney Marathon 2026!

TCS Sydney Marathon 2026 ballot results released TODAY!

Regardless of whether you are successful or not, or even if you forgot to enter the ballot all together, you can take part in the 7th World Marathon Major with Team Perkins in one of the following ways...

1. Successful in the ballot? Use your place to join Team Perkins and enjoy all of the benefits our charity place runners receive with no fundraising minimum. Simply set up your fundraising page and you're in: https://sm26.grassrootz.com/theperkins/join

2. Didn't get a ballot place and need a Perkins Charity Place? Apply now for one of our coveted charity places and commit to raising a minimum of $3000 to secure your place on Team Perkins. Apply here: https://sm26.grassrootz.com/theperkins/vip/new

See you in Sydney!

20/10/2025

📢 CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS 🔬
Refresh your Biology, Human Biol and Chemistry skills at an interactive Teacher PL day at the Perkins BioDiscovery Centre.

You’ll apply real-life case studies and learn professional lab techniques to make teaching Biology, Human Biology and Chemistry more fun for you and engaging for your students. All activities are designed to follow the curriculum, and are aligned with specific AITSL standards.

Last dates available:
👉 7 NOV – Futures of Disease 🦠
👉 14 NOV – Exploring Mutations 🧬
👉 21 NOV – Protein Chemistry ⚛

Interested? Follow the link to find out more. But be quick – space is limited.

https://perkins.org.au/teachers

The BioDiscovery Centre runs curriculum-linked programs for schools. Programs for Years 6 to 12 run on weekdays during term.

18/10/2025

Looking for something to engage the kids in science? Come on down to the Telethon7 Perth Family Festival tomorrow (Sunday 19 October) to find the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research's BioDiscovery Centre! Check out some amazing interactive science activities featuring a game called "Where's my Brain?". There's a chance for some cool prizes, too.

You can also enquire about our in-lab STEM programs for high school students looking to explore careers in science or medical research.

17/10/2025

📢 CALLING ALL RUNNERS! 📢
TCS Sydney Marathon 2026 ballot closes at 11.59pm tonight!

It's your last chance to apply for a place in the official ballot for the newest Abbott World Marathon Majors event 🏃‍♂️

Sign up to the ballot and choose Team Perkins when prompted in the registration form. If successful, you will join Australia's fastest growing charity team in this huge, international event and receive all of the benefits that Team Perkins runners receive including:

🍕 Friday night team dinner
🎽 Perkins branded running singlet
🍾 Post-marathon celebration event
🙋‍♂️ Dedicated training and fundraising support from John, your Perkins Sydney Marathon Coach

The best benefit of all is that you'll be raising funds to support life-altering medical research into the diseases that take our loved ones far too soon - the hardest-to-treat cancers, heart disease and diabetes, and rare genetic diseases. This year, runners on Team Perkins (some of whom are pictured here) raised over $141,000!!

Registration link in comments.

You'll find out if you're in on Wednesday 29 October! Good luck! 🤞☘

15/10/2025

We’re proud to share that Emeritus Professor George Yeoh has been awarded crucial funding to advance his research into Cystic Fibrosis Related Liver Disease (CFLD), as part of the WA Cystic Fibrosis Research Collaborative Program.

The grant is co-funded through a partnership with the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund and Cystic Fibrosis WA , in collaboration with Conquer Cystic Fibrosis .

The research aims to develop a blood test to determine liver disease severity in people living with Cystic Fibrosis, a major step towards earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.

We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from Cystic Fibrosis Western Australia and Conquer Cystic Fibrosis and we look forward to the impact this research will have on the CF community.

13/10/2025

It's a Marathon Monday of many thanks to these incredible supporters.

Firstly, a big thank you to Perkins Run for Research 2025 Ambassador Abbey Ritchie and her "2 Girls and a Grandad" team mates, Doug and Hayley, who completed half (Abbey and Hayley) and full (Doug!) marathons in the Perth Running Festival on Sunday.

Secondly, our heartfelt thanks to the 18 runners on Team Perkins who took part in the Melbourne Marathon Festival, raising over $30,000 for medical research. A special shoutout to top fundraiser, Will, who raised over $5000. The event has special meaning for Will, whose family has been impacted by Huntingtons disease.

Thank you Will, Abbey, Doug, Steph and the rest of Team Perkins for putting your bodies on the line for medical research!!! And we wish you all a speedy and relaxing recovery!

07/10/2025

Are you a motivated undergrad with at least two years of study completed and an interest in research that makes a real impact?

The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research invites applications for our Summer Vacation Scholarships. Successful applicants will:
✅ Undertake a 6-week research project in one of WA’s premier medical research institutes
✅ Gain experience with cutting-edge technologies not usually available to undergraduates
✅ Work alongside leading scientists in cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes and rare disease research
✅ Receive a $2,500 stipend

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical lab experience, develop valuable skills and explore a future in postgraduate research.

Applications close: 15 October 2025

📩 To explore project options or ask questions, email study@perkins.org.au
👉 Apply now and spend your summer unlocking your future in medical research: https://perkins.org.au/get-involved/vacation-scholarship/