Top talent to boost cancer research

The search for a tailored treatment for cancerous tumours has been bolstered with the appointment of an internationally recognised expert to the South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI).

Professor Brendan Jenkins will lead the Tumour Inflammation and Immunotherapy program, which aims to identify ways to make tumours more visible to the body’s immune system and improve immune therapies.

SAiGENCI is a cancer-focused medical research institute established in 2021 that operates within the University of Adelaide’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences and is supported by an alliance with the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN).

Professor Jenkins specialises in the role of innate immunity in precancerous chronic inflammatory conditions such as gastritis and pancreatitis, and inflammation-associated cancers, in particular gastric (stomach), pancreatic and lung cancers.

“I am thrilled to be leading a highly-skilled team that will play an instrumental role in the battle against cancer and the search for a cure,” Professor Jenkins said.

“Our research will focus on manipulating the immune system, including making tumours more visible to cancer-killing immune cells and changing the inflammatory response, as key ways to stop cancerous tumours from developing.

“This approach can be used to stop many forms of cancers from progressing and has the potential to save the lives of thousands of patients not only here in South Australia but worldwide.”

As part of his role, Professor Jenkins will help build immunology expertise at the University of Adelaide.

“I am thrilled to be leading a highly-skilled team that will play an instrumental role in the battle against cancer and the search for a cure."Professor Brendan Jenkins, Program Leader in Tumour Inflammation and Immunotherapy, SAiGENCI

SAiGENCI Director, Professor Christopher Sweeney has welcomed the appointment.

“Professor Jenkins is a top talent when it comes to cancer research,” Professor Sweeney said.

“He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of immunology

 His appointment will strengthen the SAiGENCI team and its reputation as a world leader and centre of excellence for cancer research.”

The University of Adelaide’s Professor Andrew Zannettino, Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, added: “The University of Adelaide has a long history when it comes to being at the forefront of health and medical research. Our high-quality facilities attract highly talented researchers and Professor Jenkins’ appointment reflects this and solidifies our position as a world-class, research-intensive institution.”

Professor Jenkins joins the University from the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, where he is currently Centre Head for the Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases. 

The knowledge gained by his research has already had a significant impact on biomarker and drug development, and in multiple scientific and medical fields, including cancer biology, oncology, immunology, gastroenterology, and respiratory medicine.

Professor Jenkins will commence as Program Leader at SAiGENCI on 3 July 2023.