Celebrating our past and creating the future. 

Garvan Institute officially opened on 17 February 1963.

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1963

Garvan Institute opening

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1965

Measuring growth hormone

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1973

Lifesaving insulin infusions

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1981

Garvan Research Foundation established

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1986

Genetically engineered human therapeutic growth hormone

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1987

Genes contribute to bone health

1993

Cyclins drive the progression of breast cancer

1999 to 2005

Growing nerve cells

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2000

First draft of the human genome sequence

Garvan scientists identificated of a genetic variation that contributes to the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

2003

Genetic variation linked to Parkinson's disease

2009

Discovered ‘switching off’ the Id1 gene

Garvan scientists demonstrated which sections of the genome are commonly ‘silenced’, or ‘switched off’, in prostate cancer. This work not only provides new diagnostic markers for prostate cancer, it suggests that all cancers show similarly widespread and specific silencing.

2010

Gene silencing common in cancers

2011

Breakthrough study links Type 1 diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome

2012

Unmasking the secrets of pancreatic cancer

2015

Discovered osteoblasts

A breakthrough study of over 450 pancreatic cancer genomes showed that pancreatic cancer can be divided into four distinct diseases, each of which many respond differently to therapies, meaning this study has implications for how clinicians assess and treat pancreatic cancer.

2016

Pancreatic cancer genomes

2017

MRI screens pick up early stage cancers

2019

Psoriasis drug for osteosarcoma

2020

Sydney researchers develop rapid genomics strategy to trace coronavirus

Researchers uncovered a fundamental survival strategy that cancer cells use to develop drug resistance – stress-induced mutagenesis. This is similar to the process bacteria use to develop antibiotic resistance. This suggests that combining conventional targeted cancer therapies with drugs that target DNA repair mechanisms may lead to improved outcomes for patients. 

Survival strategy of cancer cells

2021

Researchers reveal a strategy for next-generation COVID-19 vaccines

The ACRF Intravital Imagine of Niches for Cancer Immune Therapy (INCITe) Centre was officially launched. This centre houses two Australian-designed, world-leading microscopes that allow researchers to observe the interactions between cancer cells and the immune system in real time, providing greater insight into how drug-resistant, dormant cancer cells develop and function.

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2022

World-class cancer imaging launches at the Garvan Institute

We are developing a variant-proof universal COVID-19 vaccine. 

Dr Deborah Burnett at the Garvan Institute

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2023

Variant-proof universal COVID-19 vaccine

Dr Rama Dhenni and Professor Tri Phan

Scientists have uncovered why vaccines can elicit a stronger immune response if they are administered in the same arm.

Left or right arm? New research reveals why vaccination site matters for immune response

Associate Professors Clare Stirzaker and David Croucher

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Cancer Council NSW grants will support innovative approaches to monitoring breast cancer recurrence and improving treatment effectiveness for high-risk neuroblastoma.

Breast cancer blood test and childhood cancer projects given the green light

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A major new Garvan-led research project will develop advanced DNA analysis methods to provide a more detailed picture of the human genome, improving access to the benefits of genetic medicine for diverse populations.

Research to unlock life-changing benefits from advanced DNA analysis

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Associate Professor Maté Biro brings specialised expertise in how immune cells interact with tumours to the Institute’s Cancer Ecosystems Program.


Garvan appoints leading expert in cancer-immune interactions

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As the Garvan Institute of Medical Research turns 60, we’re reflecting on our incredible history and the impact our discoveries. 

Celebrating 60 years of discovery in medical research