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Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics is not just a research facility housing world class infrastructure; it is home to world leading expertise, driven by the promise of contributing to a brighter future for all with a lab-bench-to-patient-bedside focus. This balance of research progress and instrumentation that deliver precision results, thrives on the support, partnership and advocacy of our community. The tapestry of support from Foundations, individuals, businesses and community groups who share our vision of advancing discoveries against some of the worlds’ most devastating diseases, are tightly intertwined, strengthening and propelling our research forward. The Hay Family are an example of how the Institute for Glycomics engages with its valued community members and builds lasting relationships for a unified cause to create maximum impact.
Peter and Margie Hay were first introduced to the Institute for Glycomics at the 2020 Women’s Pink Golf Day, a highly anticipated event which forms part of the exciting social calendar in Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club’s GO PINK month Breast Cancer Awareness partnership with the Institute for Glycomics. This introduction was followed by a personal tour of the Institute with our Director, Professor Mark von Itzstein AO. The tour enabled Peter and Margie to confirm the alignment of the research teams’ focus with the desires of the Hay Family to progress outcomes in cancer research. It resulted in support for the Institute in a number of areas. This initial 3-year program support blossomed into a strong commitment across a number of areas including the melanoma cell bank, a cancer research facility complementing cancer research in the Australian Cancer Research Foundation International Centre for Cancer Glycomics. This support from the Hays exemplifies the powerful progress that can be achieved when an active community collaborates with a pioneering institution.
The Hay Family’s and other donors’ support has had a profound impact on the Institute’s research initiatives. Their donations and commitment have enabled us to continue the fight against cancer through further understanding of cancer glycolanguage, the bolstering of our Melanoma Cellbank, and the continued support of top talent in our PhD students. Through their partnership, the Institute has been bolstered in strength, to push the boundaries of glycomics research, with a focus on cancer-based projects.
The story of the Hay Family’s involvement with the Griffith University Institute for Glycomics is a testament to the power of community engagement in scientific research. Their generosity has not only driven cancer glycomics research forward but has also strengthened the bonds between the Institute and its community. It serves as an example of how a shared vision can lead to transformative advancements and inspire others to become active participants in the journey of scientific discovery.
