This transcript captures the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI). The meeting begins with a culturally significant Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson. The formal proceedings include the President's Report from Jane Hemstridge and the first Director's Report from Professor Ken Smith, who both reflect on a successful year of transition, leadership changes, and strategic focus. They highlight the launch of major new research centers and significant philanthropic support. The Honorary Treasurer, Jeff Roberts, presents the financial report, noting an operating deficit offset by strong investment performance, resulting in a robust net asset position.
The AGM features two key scientific presentations. Dr. Alyssa Glova, a 2025 Snow Medical Fellow, discusses her research using cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the Wnt signaling pathway, aiming to develop precision therapies for colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Animator Drew Barry showcases a detailed, visually stunning animation of the DNA repair process known as homologous recombination, explaining the critical role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins. The event concludes with an awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding undergraduate students with Metcalf Scholarships and honoring top PhD and early-career researchers with the Corcoran and Burnet Prizes, respectively.
WEHI 2025 Annual General Meeting: Reports, Research, and Recognition
0:00:20 Welcome to Country: Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson opens the meeting with a Welcome to Country. He explains its historical and cultural significance as a ceremony of respect and safety, emphasizing the importance of language, shared stories, and the connection between the health of the land and its people.
0:09:21 President's Report: President Jane Hemstridge reflects on a year of strengthening WEHI. Key highlights include the successful commencement of the new Director, Professor Ken Smith, the establishment of the Snow Center for Immune Health and the Hemstrich Center of Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer Research, and the welcoming of new board members and 12 new WEHI members.
0:14:12 Director's Report: In his first report, Professor Ken Smith shares his enthusiasm for WEHI's energy and ambition. He highlights three major research discoveries from the past year: a new method for predicting bowel cancer treatment response, the discovery of the cellular origin of certain breast cancers, and a potential cure for a lethal skin disease.
0:20:40 Commercialization and Community: Professor Smith notes the institute's success in commercialization, with four spin-out companies launched in 2024. He also highlights community engagement programs like "Deadly Science," which provides First Nations students with exposure to scientific research.
0:26:51 Treasurer's Report: Honorary Treasurer Jeff Roberts presents the 2024 financials. WEHI recorded an operating deficit of $28 million, largely because research grants do not cover the full cost of operations. However, strong investment returns led to an overall increase in net assets to $850 million, securing the institute's strong financial future. A plan is in place to eliminate the operating deficit by 2027.
0:33:19 Visualizing Molecules for Cancer Drugs: Dr. Alyssa Glova, a 2025 Snow Fellow, presents her research on the "Wnt signaling" pathway, which controls cell division and movement. Using cryo-electron microscopy, she aims to create molecular-level images of this pathway to understand how it is altered in colorectal and pancreatic cancers, with the goal of developing novel, precision therapies.
0:44:12 Animating DNA Repair: Animator Drew Barry presents a detailed animation of homologous recombination, a critical DNA repair mechanism in our cells. The animation visualizes the complex molecular machinery, including the roles of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins, which are famously linked to breast cancer when faulty.
0:55:59 Student and Researcher Awards: The meeting concludes with an awards ceremony.
Metcalf Scholarships: Eight outstanding undergraduate students receive scholarships to support their first research experience at WEHI.
Professor Lynn Corcoran PhD Prize: Dr. Stephanie Bada wins for her thesis on the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.
Burnet Prize: Dr. Caven Bennett is awarded the prestigious Burnet Prize for pioneering research by an early-career scientist.