The new director of one of NZ's foremost centres pioneering a cure for cancer has a personal and tragic connection to the role.
The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, which specialises in immune system research has been running ground-breaking trails of CAR T-cell therapy, which uses a patient's own immune system to target and destroy blood cancer.
In-coming director at Malaghan, Professor Kjesten Wiig has taken over the reins held for 30 years by Professor Graham Le Gros.
A neuroscientist by training, Prof Wiig's career has always had a focus on advancing science and innovation to improve people's health and ultimately save lives. Kjesten's nineteen year old son Karl died from a rare form of cancer almost four years ago. Kjesten tells Susie how a conversation with Graham Le Gros at the time lead to a job offer.
Photo: Peleg/Malaghan Institute of Medical Research
