Mater Research and Mater Hospital Townsville have put skin and melanoma research under the spotlight in North Queensland, joining the World Science Festival in taking science out of the laboratory and to Townsville.

Mater Researchers from Brisbane were joined by Mater Private Hospital Townsville medical interns to discuss skin and skin cancer at the two-day event at the Museum of Tropical Queensland.

It is the first time Mater has joined the international science event that is presented by the Queensland Museum.

Smiling for Smiddy Cancer Research Group Leader, Professor Brian Gabrielli said it was wonderful to see more than two thousand school students and Townsville locals at the event.

“It was great to engage with Townsville people who were interested in science and discuss all things skin and skin cancer through the World Science Festival Queensland,” Professor Gabrielli said.

“It’s also rewarding to get out to regional centres and speak with young people, who could be our future scientists, about the benefits of STEM and the amazing opportunities in medical research.”

World Science Festival Queensland Head, Cathy James, welcomed Mater’s involvement in the 2022 event.

“We’re excited to have had Mater Research and Mater Private Hospital Townsville join us in bringing interactive, exciting science to the people of Townsville and helping us demonstrate its value and implications for the future,” Ms James said.

“Science is an area that never stops evolving and when you see how it works in the real world it becomes something exciting that you want to learn about. World Science Festival Queensland is a great platform for engaging audiences while having fun.”

Executive Director Mater Research, Professor Maher Gandhi said it was nice to have the opportunity to discuss some of the institute’s work with ordinary Queenslanders.

“Mater Research’s five programs are closely integrated with the clinical services at Mater Health, which has hospitals around the state, including Townsville,” he said.

“Mater is committed to improving the health of Queenslanders and getting involved with the World Science Festival Queensland has provided us with an opportunity to discuss our vital research and share some important health messages about sun safety and ways to avoid skin cancers.”

The World Science Festival is a production of the World Science Foundation, a non-profit organisation headquartered in New York City.