Award for WAIMR "Go-Getter"

June 28th, 2012

Dr Anna Johansson.

Anybody who thinks of a scientist as an introverted personality working quietly in a laboratory hasn't met Anna Johansson.

The effervescent researcher with the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR), who recently won an award for her presentation about her work to help patients fight cancer using their body's own immune system, is jumping on her bike to cycle 200 kilometres and raise money for cancer research.

"I'm selling lottery tickets to fundraise for the Ride to Conquer Cancer and an amazing number of Perth restaurants have supported me," Anna said.

"The winner will receive a whole week's worth of dinners at immensely popular restaurants such as Sayers, Cantina 663, Little Creatures and the Figs cafes worth $800. Second prize is a night at Must winebar and Ellington Jazz club and third prize is a weekend of indulgence including breakfast vouchers to well known cafes such as John Street Cafe in Cottesloe and Mrs S in Maylands."

"Tickets are only $10 and the winner will be drawn by WAIMR Director Peter Klinken on the 17th of August."

Anna, who is also a swing dancer in her spare time, has been training hard for the long bike ride with her five year old son on the back of her bike, 'providing resistance.' She recently received an award for a presentation about her work to the Australian Society of Medical Research's scientific symposium during medical research week, 2012. The presentation was based on her paper published in the prestigious American scientific journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

This study described how pancreatic cancer can be attacked from inside. "The results can now be used to enhance the effects of chemotherapy and potentially immune therapy in human cancer," Anna explained.

"I'm taking on the Ride to Conquer Cancer and fundraising through my "Dinner 4 a week" lottery because I can see how important this research will be for cancer patients in the future. Our Institute is doing great work and scientists are in desperate need of funding to be able to continue."

Anybody who'd like to purchase a ticket in the lottery can email Anna or head to www.waimr.uwa.edu.au to purchase tickets online.

For more information please contact:

Carolyn Monaghan
Communications Manager
Mobile: 0448 021 932 (media enquiries only)
Office: (08) 9224 0377
Email: carolyn.monaghan@waimr.uwa.edu.au