The Board of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre is pleased to advise that Professor Andrew Roberts MBBS FRACP FRCPA PhD has been appointed as the new Chair of its Cancer Research Advisory Committee (CRAC). This is a key role with a remit to provide scientific advice and recommendations on collaborative research opportunities to the Board of the VCCC on behalf of the committee. The Chair will also lead a working group that will steer the development and implementation of the new VCCC Strategic Research Plan, which will chart the course to build research capability and facilitate translation of new research and evidence into practice and policy across the VCCC.
“Professor Roberts is exceptionally well qualified to chair this important committee,” said Professor Jim Bishop AO, Executive Director of the VCCC. “In addition to his international standing as a Clinical Haematologist, Andrew has impressive credentials in innovative translational research and delivering new treatments through high impact clinical trials. His achievements over many years clearly demonstrate his commitment to maximising the impact of Victorian cancer research locally and internationally. We are delighted that Andrew will be taking the reins of a role which requires high level knowledge and ability, as well as an aptitude for collaborative leadership.”
As Chair of the Cancer Research Advisory Committee, Professor Roberts will be supported by a new committee of expert clinicians and researchers representing a breadth of cancer research disciplines from across the VCCC membership.
“I am a strong believer in the importance of both critical mass and strategic investment if big advances are to be made, and these are exactly what the VCCC can deliver through its new strategic research plan,” said Professor Roberts. “I am committed to the success of the VCCC and am delighted to accept this role as Chair of CRAC. I see it as the most effective way in which I can contribute to the alliance’s vision of driving the next generation of improvements in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.”
Professor Roberts’ appointment is effective immediately. The Strategic Research Plan Working Group will be convened by the end of this year and the new Cancer Research Advisory Committee will be assembled during the first half of 2017.
Notes:
Professor Andrew Roberts MBBS FRACP FRCPA PhD is Head of Clinical Translation, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Integrated Clinical Haematology Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; Metcalf Chair of Leukaemia Research, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne and Research and Education Lead for Haematology, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
