Press Releases
18 October 2011
The Baird Institute and The Biaggio Signorelli Foundation fund key new lung cancer research role
Anna Cesarano, Prof. Paul Bannon, Prof. Brian McCaughan, Paul Signorelli and Nin Milazzo
Today, The Baird Institute and The Biaggio Signorelli Foundation have agreed to jointly fund a new lung cancer research role based at The Baird Institute.
The new, Biaggio Signorelli Director of Thoracic Oncology at The Baird Institute, will be Dr Tristan Yan.
Professor Paul Bannon, The Baird Institute Chairman, said, “This donation allows The Baird Institute to secure the services of an internationally acclaimed young mesothelioma surgeon and researcher.”
“Dr Tristan Yan, as the head of our thoracic oncology or lung cancer department, will have a number of key objectives - the first to collect and collate data from around the world on different strategies for the treatment of cancers caused by exposure to asbestos, such as mesothelioma.”
“Tristan will be coordinating our current work with other centres such as the Bernie Banton and Bernie’s Angels and will expand our basic research as well as our surgical program – with the aim of finding a cure for this deadly disease.”
Ms Michelle Sloane, Executive Director of The Baird Institute, said this is a great example of philanthropic and research institute collaboration.
“We have valued the support of The Biaggio Signorelli Foundation for some years. However, this collaboration is a significant next step. It provides funding for at least three years, for a dedicated research role – which means better outcomes for the many Australians that continue to be diagnosed with this dreadful disease.”
The Baird Institute is the only dedicated cardiothoracic surgical training and research institute in Australia. The focus of the research and education at The Baird Institute is all diseases of the heart, lungs, chest wall and diaphragm that are treatable with surgery. It was established in memory of a leading Sydney based cardiothoracic surgeon, Professor Douglas Baird.
The Biaggio Signorelli Foundation was established by Paul Signorelli, Nina Milazzo and Anna Cesarano, Biaggio's three loving children, and supported by their mother, Mrs Phillipa Signorelli, the widow of the late Biaggio Signorelli, in memory of their late father and husband, who died in 2008 of mesothelioma.
The Foundation is committed to raising awareness, early detection, treatment and cure for the asbestos-related cancer – mesothelioma
Further details contact: Professor Paul Bannon 0439 415 696, Michelle Sloane 0412 267 828
The collaboration was announced at The Baird Institute’s 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner, held at Doltone House, Sydney.
