Medical research at UOW receives boost from Michael Tynan Memorial Challenge

April 2, 2019

Medical research at UOW receives boost from Michael Tynan Memorial Challenge

Funds to help UOW researchers fight drug-resistant superbugs

Medical research in the Illawarra received a boost on Tuesday 2 April 2019, with the University of Wollongong (UOW) accepting a $30,000 donation as part of funds raised from the Michael Tynan Memorial Challenge (MTMC).

The donation will assist UOW researchers in their work to develop new antimicrobial drugs, which builds on the University’s research into microbial systems over the past 20 years. Drug-resistant superbugs are on the rise and it has been estimated that antimicrobial-resistant infections could lead to at least 10 million additional deaths per year and cost the global economy up to $140 trillion by 2050.

The MTMC raises funds for medical research at UOW and the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF) through an annual one-day event. More than 120 walkers, 20 paddlers, 70 drivers and 20 scooters took on the Challenge from Wollongong to Sutherland Shire last year.

At the presentation, MTMC organiser and Tynan Motors Group Director Madeline Tynan spoke of her family’s strong ties to both the Illawarra and UOW and their desire to further improve the health of local communities.

“As a family we are committed to promoting growth in the Illawarra and supporting our community organisations … the University of Wollongong’s medical research is an important part of that commitment,” Mrs Tynan said.

“The University is addressing regional health challenges by delivering innovative and quality healthcare, and we are proud to be supporting this research work that has a major impact in our community.”

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Health and Communities) and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health Professor Alison Jones thanked Tynan Motors for their support and said she was delighted by the generosity shown by the Illawarra community in raising funds for the Challenge.

“We are grateful for the support by the Tynan family as this generous donation allows us to accelerate the work by our interdisciplinary research teams to fight the current rise in antimicrobial resistant infections in our community,” Professor Jones said.

“Molecular Horizons and the broader Health and Wellbeing initiatives at UOW are all about creating partnerships and working together to improve health.”

Professor Jones said that antimicrobial resistance is a significant branch of medical research at UOW and discoveries will be further accelerated when the Molecular Horizons research facility opens at the Wollongong Campus.

“Our research has a strong Illawarra-Shoalhaven focus by battling the spread of superbugs in our regional community. Establishing new approaches in improving health care in our region will also allow us to drive innovation in health care at the global scale,” Professor Jones said.

Mrs Tynan said she is focused on continuing to grow the MTMC to further allow community members the chance to contribute to improving health in the Illawarra.

“I would like to thank everyone in the community who has supported our charity event over the past three years,” Mrs Tynan said.

“I urge you all to join the Michael Tynan Memorial Challenge in 2019 and support the future of your health, for your families and generations to come.”

Tynan Motors Group Director, Madeline Tynan pictured with UOW's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Health and Communities) and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, Professor Alison Jones, Distinguished Professor Antoine van Oijen and Government Relations Director, Canio Fierravanti at the cheque presentation on Tuesday 2 April 2019.

About Molecular Horizons

Molecular Horizons will be a world-leading molecular life sciences research facility, with a suite of transformative technology including the Titan Krios Cryo-EM microscope, which is only the second, and most advanced, in Australia.

Molecular Horizons is aimed at solving the world’s biggest medical challenges, such as developing new forms of antibiotics and curing cancer.

About the Michael Tynan Memorial Challenge

The Challenge was started it in 2016 as a celebration of the life and achievements of philanthropic businessman Michael Tynan, who was a proponent of giving back to the community and supporting medical research.

Almost $1 million has been raised by the Challenge to assist local medical research over the past three years. Event partners include the Kollaras Group, Fairfax Media, Carsales.com, IMB Bank, St George Illawarra Dragons, AFS Solutions, Castrol, WIN Network, Optus, St George Bank, Cliff Lewis Printing, Power 94.9 FM, Wave FM and 2ST.