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 60 years.
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 60 years.
Garvan-led researchers outline a strategy to generate future-proofed COVID-19 vaccines that can resist emergent new viral strains.
Read moreIn 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 moreA 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 moreA 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 moreA 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 moreOur 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 MoreUsing 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 moreWe sequenced the genomes of 100 pancreatic tumours and identified new mutations that lead to pancreatic cancer.
Learn MoreWith 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 moreA 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 MoreWe showed that the brain, through the hormone NPY, helps control the building of our skeletons.
LEARN MOREWe uncovered the role of abdominal fat in determining risk of type 2 diabetes.
LEARN MORE (.PDF)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 MOREWe made one of the decade’s most significant advances in breast cancer when we discovered the role of proteins called cyclins.
Back to topWe helped discover the first genetic factors that impact bone density of the spine and the proximal femur in adults.
Read moreWe developed an infusion technique that treats ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening complication associated with diabetes.
LEARN MOREWe developed an Australian-first ‘radioimmunoassay’ technique to measure growth hormone in people.
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