In Pictures: Inspiring Australians’ Student Forum with the 2024 Australians of the Year
As part of the 2024 Australians of the Year Tour of Honour in Western Australia, Auspire presented a Student Forum with Professors Georgina Long AO and Richard Scolyer AO.
Warmly hosted by Bob Hawke College on the morning of Wednesday 28 August, the forum was presented in partnership with the Department of Education WA and Perdaman, providing the opportunity for students across WA to attend and ask questions of the melanoma treatment pioneers.
Student Forum in Pictures
As co-medical directors of Melanoma Institute Australia, Professors Long and Scolyer shared their experiences of cancer research and treatments, the development of the drugs and how they work, including the intricacies, challenges and ethics involved.
After explaining their individual roles and how they intertwine within a large research team that has led to groundbreaking results in melanoma treatment, Professor Long spoke of the importance and benefits of utilising the skills and knowledge of others. She encouraged students to be curious.
Professor Scolyer shared his own personal experience as a patient with cancer, after being diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer in 2023. He revealed the moments leading up to and after his diagnosis, and the experimental treatment that followed, led by none other than Professor Long. He encouraged the audience to have a go in all aspects of life.
Students from high schools across WA listened intently and asked questions about immunotherapy, clinical trials, autoimmune diseases and the global impact that the research and treatment could have.
The two students who asked the best questions were each presented with a $50 Visa gift card, courtesy of Student Forum partner, Perdaman.
The forum’s speakers, presenters and guests took a group selfie as a memento of the conversation around the dangers of Australia’s tanning culture, how to get the message across to young people, and the role that science can play in solving many of the world’s problems.
Click here to see all photos from the Student Forum
Find out more about the Australian of the Year Awards at australianoftheyear.org.au
Auspire thanks the support of the Department of Education WA and Perdaman Group for helping to make this event possible.