Research breakthroughs and advances
Since 1963, Garvan’s scientists have pioneered major research developments in the diseases affecting society the most. Scroll down to discover some of the key advances we've made over the last 58 years.
2021
Researchers reveal a strategy for next-generation COVID-19 vaccines
Garvan-led researchers outline a strategy to generate future-proofed COVID-19 vaccines that can resist emergent new viral strains.
Read more2021
Pancreatic cancer ‘priming’ may make chemotherapy more effective
In preclinical models, a team at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research could enhance the tumours’ response to chemotherapy by reducing the stiffness and density of the connective tissue known as the stroma, and reduce cancer spread by up to 50%.
Read more2020
Sydney researchers develop rapid genomics strategy to trace coronavirus
A team of leading Sydney researchers pioneered the use of a fast genomic sequencing technology to help determine the source of hard-to-trace coronavirus cases.
Read more2020
Treatment linked to slowed cognitive decline
A six-year study of older Australians with type 2 diabetes uncovered a link between metformin use, slower cognitive decline and lower dementia rates
Find out more2019
Psoriasis drug for osteosarcoma
A treatment for psoriasis could be repurposed to treat this rare but aggressive form of cancer. “There's been no real advance in treatments for four decades – we have uncovered a new target that can be modulated with an existing therapy."
Read more2018
Found: a new form of DNA in our cells
We discovered a new form of DNA called the ‘i-motif’ to be located inside human cells.
Learn more2017
MRI screens pick up early stage cancers
Our research, along with international efforts, showed that whole-body MRI screening can detect primary tumours throughout the body, at a curable stage, in people with high genetic risk of cancer.
Learn More2015
Genomic diagnosis changes lives
Using whole genome sequencing, we diagnosed a previously mysterious immune disorder in a critically ill 5-year-old boy. Armed with this knowledge, clinicians changed Alan's treatment – radically improving his health and his outlook.
Learn more2014
A key to creating blood stem cells in the laboratory
We uncovered a mechanism essential for forming hematopoietic stem cells – a key step toward generating them in the laboratory as treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancers and other disorders of the blood and immune system.
Read more2013
Nanotechnology for pancreatic cancer
With colleagues in the UK, we developed an imaging method to monitor areas deep within pancreatic tumours and revealed a new way to improve drug delivery.
Read more2012
Unmasking the secrets of pancreatic cancer
We sequenced the genomes of 100 pancreatic tumours and identified new mutations that lead to pancreatic cancer.
Learn More2011
Breakthrough study links Type 1 diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome
With collaborators, we discovered a new group of immune cells that for the first time directly link two autoimmune diseases, Type 1 diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome.
Read more2010
Gene silencing common in cancers
A group of Garvan scientists discover that extensive gene silencing is common in cancer, with up to 3% of the genome affected by epigenetic changes to DNA in cancer cells.
Learn More2009
Our brains build bones
We showed that the brain, through the hormone NPY, helps control the building of our skeletons.
LEARN MORE2000
Belly fat link to diabetes
We uncovered the role of abdominal fat in determining risk of type 2 diabetes.
LEARN MORE (.PDF)1999 to 2005
Growing nerve cells
We developed methods to culture adult nerve stem cells capable of generating new brain cells, giving hope that some neurodegenerative diseases could be reversed.
LEARN MORE1993
Cyclins drive the progression of breast cancer
We made one of the decade’s most significant advances in breast cancer when we discovered the role of proteins called cyclins.
Back to top1987
Genes contribute to bone health
We helped discover the first genetic factors that impact bone density of the spine and the proximal femur in adults.
Read more1973
Lifesaving insulin infusions
We developed an infusion technique that treats ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening complication associated with diabetes.
LEARN MORE1965
Measuring growth hormone
We developed an Australian-first ‘radioimmunoassay’ technique to measure growth hormone in people.
Back to top
