The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group is proud to announce Dr Krzysztof Mrozik has been awarded a three-year Fellowship in the field of multiple myeloma.
A post-doctoral researcher in the Myeloma Research Laboratory at The University of Adelaide based at SAHMRI, Dr Mrozik will be tasked with driving cutting-edge innovation and elevating myeloma research from the bench to the bedside.
Along with affiliate arrangements at the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN), Dr Mrozik hopes the research can be fast-tracked to clinical trials by fostering a collaborative environment between laboratory-based pre-clinical researchers and clinician researchers at the patient coalface.
“I think this is a fantastic opportunity to foster a translational research environment that expedites the discovery of innovative approaches to manage and treat myeloma right here in South Australia, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes” he said.
“With the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the largest single centre for myeloma treatment in Australia, co-located with one of largest myeloma research laboratories in the country, it makes sense to capitalise on this unique opportunity.
“We have some incredibly talented minds and state-of-the art technology and facilities to tackle some of the most pressing issues for people with myeloma.
“Obviously, things take time, but we are working on some very promising projects. If some of these could be applied to the clinical situation or reach clinical trials in the next three years, that would be a fantastic outcome.”
Myeloma is the second most-common form of blood cancer and is a particularly debilitating disease.
It is called multiple myeloma because, when diagnosed, people already have multiple bone lesions in places like the spine, skull and rib cage.
The cancer develops from abnormal white blood cells found in the bone marrow that have grown out of control. It causes bone disease and reduces the space to create normal blood cells, and thus weakens the immune system.
Set to commence in the role in the New Year, Dr Mrozik said he couldn’t wait to get started together with other members of the Myeloma Research Laboratory, comprising 10 post-doctoral researchers, 10 PhD students and 4 technical staff.
“I am extremely excited about the role. I do feel like it is a natural progression for myself career-wise, but I am really excited about the future of myeloma research and how patients will ultimately benefit from it.”
Funding from THRF, along with co-contributions from The University of Adelaide, has made the Fellowship possible.
