Scientists Prof Tony Hannan (Florey Institute), Dr Emma Baker (MCRI), Dr Claudine Kraan (MCRI), Assoc Prof David Godler (MCRI), Prof David Amor (MCRI) and Prof Marnie Blewitt (WEHI).
We were thrilled to host our 2023 Research Showcase at the Melbourne Lyceum Club last month to connect and celebrate the building momentum in Australian Prader-Willi research.
Magic happens at events like these, where our community - families, scientists and supporters - come together to further PWS research.
It was wonderful to hear our panel of researchers, Professor Marnie Blewitt, Associate Professor David Godler and Dr Claudine Kraan share the work they are undertaking to change lives with PWS. It was humbling and uplifting to hear that Assoc Prof Godler started working on PWS in response to meeting our Founder Kathlene Jones. We are filled with hope when hearing that Prof Blewitt’s team has grown to four full-time and three part-time scientists, working on gene activation at WEHI.
The night was a very special celebration of the progress in Australian PWS research, with real momentum building in our community’s priority areas, including the PWS Centre of Expertise, the Chromosome 15 biobank, clinical trials, model systems like brain organoids and cell lines, and work on two technology fronts to activate the PWS genes (medicinal chemistry for a potential drug and ASOs).
We were delighted to provide a sneak peak of the Australian PWS Research Roadmap, laying out our vision to harness and direct the talent of leading Australian experts to improve clinical outcomes and deliver better treatments for people living with PWS.
In 2024 our focus will remain on building cross-sector relationships, with and between scientists, clinicians, industry and government, and ensuring that the patient and family voice is embedded in all research initiatives.
We look forward to continuing to accelerate and embed our work on both a national and global scale, all with our wonderful PWS community’s support. So many in our community who support our work aren’t personally touched by PWS, and we thank all those investing your time, energy and resources to improving life for our children and adults.
Finally, our most heartfelt thanks to hosts Sue Morphett and Charles Sitch for their ongoing generosity and support.
Parents Sandra Peles, Kathlene Jones, Katie Albanis, Tina Costanzo, Brendan Bostock and Susi Bostock.
PWRFA Research Director Diane Webster, CEO Kathlene Jones, Board Director Susan Blair, and Chair Duncan McGauchie.
Kathlene Jones, Prof Marnie Blewitt, Leo Lui and Diane Webster.