The Lowy Cancer Research Centre at the University of New South Wales is hosting a select group of high school students and a pair of potentially cancer-curing robots tomorrow ( Friday 12th August) as a curtain raiser for National Science Week, with lab tours led by world-class scientists from Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA).
The event will showcase the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Drug Discovery Centre for Childhood Cancer, the stars of which are two robots named Ham and Milton that are set to dramatically accelerate the search for a cure for childhood cancer. The drug discovery robots are the only ones of their kind in Australia devoted to childhood cancer research.
“These million-dollar robots enable us to do a year’s research in just days, fast tracking our discovery of new, personalised drugs for childhood cancer,” says Dr Greg Arndt, manager of the ACRF Drug Discovery Centre.
The Lowy Cancer Research Centre will also host one of a new breed of internationally acclaimed intelligent, expressive human-like Hanson robots that are used the world over in top-flight research institutes and universities. The inventor David Hanson is in Australia for a visit to showcase the technology for National Science Week and will be talking to the school kids at the launch.
“Our Hanson robots are 21st century technology, exhibiting unparalleled expressions and interactivity through their ability to emulate more than 62 facial and neck muscular movements,” Mr Hanson says.
The Australian Centre for Field Robotics team will also be visiting CCIA to present their 'Pathways to Space’ robots. Students will participate in simulated space missions that focus on the planning and execution of robotic explorations of Mars, searching for evidence of life.
Other events that will take place as part of the launch of National Science Week will be a street rally of scientists in Sydney’s CBD as part of the Science Ignite campaign to inspire young Australians to embark on a career in science and engineering.
The Lowy Cancer Research Centre, home to over 400 research scientists and clinicians, is thrilled to be part of this exciting week of events.
What: Can Robots Cure Cancer?
Where: Children’s Cancer Institute Australia, Level 4 C25 Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Gate 9 High Street UNSW Sydney NSW 2052
When: Friday 12th August, 1pm --2pm
Photo, filming and interview opportunities: Dr Greg Arndt shows school students the children’s cancer research laboratory to learn how the Drug Discovery Robots can find new therapies faster than ever before. David Hanson, the inventor of Hanson Robotics, shows his robots are capable of responding with over 62 facial expressions. High school students, participating on lab tour and interacting with the Mars robot and Hanson robots
Background
National Science Week
National Science Week, an initiative of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Research and Science, is Australia’s largest national festival, taking place this year from the 13-20th August, featuring approximately 1,000 events around Australia that are free, open to the public and offer an opportunity for the Australian community to get involved in science. The week of events provides an opportunity to acknowledge Australian scientists’ contributions to the world of knowledge, encourage interest in science pursuits and get younger people fascinated by the world in which we live.
The Lowy Cancer Research Centre
The Lowy Cancer Research Centre, located at University of New South Wales (UNSW), is one of the leading cancer research centres in the world integrating childhood and adult cancer research and taking a holistic approach to cancer across the life spectrum.
Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA)
CCIA is the only independent medical research institute in Australia devoted to research into the causes, better treatments, prevention and cure of childhood cancer. Our vision is to save the lives of all children with cancer and eliminate their suffering. Founded in 1976 by a dedicated group of parents and doctors who wanted to do something more in the fight against children’s cancer, CCIA opened its first laboratory in 1984. The Institute, located at the Lowy Cancer Research Centre at UNSW, now employs over 160 staff and students, including more than 120 scientists. CCIA is also affiliated with Sydney Children’s Hospital (Randwick).
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