Our research matrix
At Garvan, our research is organised in a matrix structure that includes Strategic Programs, Pillars and Strategic Scientific Platforms. Our research matrix is designed to enhance and promote collaboration across Garvan and beyond, and to support our researchers to conduct outstanding discovery research and translate it into life-changing impacts.
Strategic Programs
Our six Strategic Programs are our flagship strategies for impact. They bring together multiple Labs across Garvan, along with partners in other organisations. The Programs are actively focused on taking research discoveries all the way through to clinical impact, to improve health and change lives.
Read more about the Strategic Programs
The Programs are:
Rare Diseases – Accelerating genomic diagnosis of disease
Leads: A/Prof Jodie Ingles and A/Prof Owen Siggs
Complex Diseases – Unpacking complex disease, cell by cell
Leads: Prof Joseph Powell and A/Prof Robert Weatheritt
Precision Immunology – Powering up the immune system’s cells
Leads: A/Prof Elissa Deenick and Prof Tri Phan
Cancer Ecosystems – Targeting the dynamic cellular ecosystem in cancer
Leads: A/Prof Alex Swarbrick and Prof Paul Timpson
Cancer Precision Medicine – Precision medicine for cancer
Leads: A/Prof Christine Chaffer and A/Prof Marina Pajic
Skeletal Diseases – Overcoming the burden of skeletal disease
Leads: Prof Jacqueline Center and Prof Mike Rogers
Pillars
Our five Pillars are the cross-cutting areas of science where Garvan aims to lead medical research globally.
Together, the Pillars provide the rich and dynamic scientific environment in which all Garvan’s research can flourish.
The Pillars are:
Genomic Science
Director: Prof Daniel MacArthur
Data Science
Director: A/Prof Sarah Kummerfeld
Cellular Science
Director: Prof Joseph Powell
Translation Science
Director: Prof Robert Brink
Clinical Science
Director: Prof Anthony Joshua
Scientific Platforms
Our five Scientific Platforms fulfil a crucial scientific enabling function for Garvan researchers and others. They provide advanced and rapidly evolving research technologies, with the expertise to support cutting-edge applications.
The Platforms work closely with the Pillars to enhance Garvan’s scientific and technological environment. They provide outstanding support that accelerates research and its translation to the clinic.
The Platforms are:
Sequencing
Head: David Murray
Data Science
Head: A/Prof Sarah Kummerfeld
Cellular Genomics
Head: Dominik Kaczorowski
Imaging
Head TBD
Clinical Engagement & Translation
Head: Mary-Anne Young
Laboratories
Our Laboratories are the fundamental unit of research at Garvan, conducting outstanding research in their field of expertise.
Each Lab is aligned to a Pillar, although many conduct research across several Pillars.
Each Lab contributes to one or more of the Strategic Programs, as well as conducting research that is beyond the scope of the Programs.
Together Garvan’s Laboratory Heads form our Faculty.
