Cancer research fellowship honours Irene

A NEW fellowship at Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute has been established with an aim to contribute to the development of a treatment breakthrough.

The inaugural three-year Irene Tellefson Cancer Research Fellowship has been awarded to Dr Arpita Poddar, an interdisciplinary research scientist with a focus on nanoparticles.

“The fellowship supports work that is at a very exciting intersection that can correctly guide chemical synthesis and bio application of nanoparticle delivery systems to benefit cancer treatment and cancer diagnosis,” she said.

“We are going to look at different kinds of nanoparticles, based on different metals, and by themself they can help with cancer treatment and diagnosis.

“When they are coupled with a payload, they can increase the efficiciency of treatment, so this is what the bulk of the research will be focused on.”

The size of a normal particle and a nanoparticle can be compared to the size of planet earth and a tennis ball, respectively.

In 2020, Mildura’s Irene Tellefson was diagnosed with cancer, and she went on to be treated in Ballarat.

In 2022, Mrs Tellefson died, but she and her husband, Gavan, had previously taken an interest in FECRI and decided to support its scientists’ research work, to improve treatments and outcomes for cancer patients.

A recent donation on her behalf has made the Irene Tellefson Cancer Research Fellowship possible.

“During the difficult time of Irene’s illness, and the exemplary treatment and care that she was receiving from [FECRI director] Professor George Kannourakis, we became aware of the Fiona Elsey Research Institute,” Gavan Tellefson said.

“We were astonished to discover that the research program is funded solely by community support.

“Irene resolved very quickly that she wanted to address that situation in some way. The donation to the institute has been made in accordance with Irene’s clear wishes.

“She had the most profound respect and admiration for George, and she would be proud that this fellowship is created in her name.”

Dr Poddar said she was grateful to Mr Tallefson and his family.

“I am very thankful to them for making sure that Irene will be remembered in such a wonderful way,” she said.

“I am honoured and privileged to be named the Irene Tellefson Cancer Research Fellow to continue this work. This is a wonderful opportunity.

“What we have here at FECRI is unique across multiple research projects, with clinical knowledge and patient samples.”

Professor Kannourakis made the official announcement about the establishment of the fellowship last week.

“This fellowship will fund important and exciting work into the use of nanoparticles in cancer treatment delivery,” he said.

“As a community funded organisation, the institute relies on the generous support of donors to continue and grow.”

“We are proud to be Australia’s only regionally based cancer research facility, based in Ballarat. We are an example that internationally recognised research can be performed outside of the metropolitan centres.”

Dr Poddar has been a researcher with FECRI since 2022.

Mr Tallefson said he was “comforted and pleased” by the work being done by Dr Poddar and her colleagues.

“I’m delighted to meet her,” he said.