Internationally-recognised investigator Professor Marina Pajic has begun her new role as the Paul and Katherine Gobits (Koh) Chair of Pancreatic Cancer Research determined to accelerate research into one of Australia’s most challenging cancers.
Based at the Kolling Institute, Professor Pajic will be working within the University of Sydney.
Her position follows a remarkable $11 million gift from Paul Gobits in memory of his wife Katherine. It is the largest individual philanthropic contribution to pancreatic cancer research in Australia.
As a leader in pancreatic cancer research, Professor Pajic brings an outstanding record of achievement. She has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, with her work cited more than 30,000 times worldwide.
She has secured more than $16 million in competitive research funding and over $10 million in fellowship support, including an $8 million Snow Medical Fellowship and a $2 million NHMRC Investigator Fellowship.
Professor Pajic was most recently at the Garvan Institute where her work broadened understanding of treatment resistance and progressed research towards new clinical trials for pancreatic research.
Marina says the expertise of the Kolling researchers drew her to the institute.
“There is an exceptional multidisciplinary team working here at the Kolling and across the Royal North Shore Hospital campus, who all share a commitment to improving the lives of patients,” she said.
“Pancreatic cancer is such a difficult disease, and real progress only happens when people come together across disciplines.
“Knowing that the clinicians and researchers here have achieved the best outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients in Australia made the decision to join an easy one.
“I feel incredibly honoured to be appointed as the inaugural Paul and Katherine Gobits (Koh) Chair of Pancreatic Cancer Research. Behind this position is a deeply personal story of love, loss and hope, and that makes the opportunity even more meaningful.
“I am deeply grateful for Paul’s trust and am committed to ensuring this gift delivers the greatest possible impact for pancreatic cancer research and patients.”
Driving future research impact
Pancreatic cancer is Australia’s deadliest major cancer, with more than 4,500 Australians diagnosed each year and a five-year survival rate of just 11 percent.
Globally, the figures are just as sobering, with approximately 500,000 lives lost to the disease every year.
As the Paul and Katherine Gobits (Koh) Chair, Professor Pajic will help strengthen collaborations across the Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School, health partners and the broader research community.
“My hope is that we can change what a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer means for patients and their families,” she said.
“Through this role, I want to bring together outstanding scientists, clinicians and emerging researchers to accelerate discoveries, develop better treatments and ultimately give more people the chance to live longer, healthier lives. That’s what drives me every day.”
