The centre’s director Professor George Kannourakis and Dorevitch CEO Neville Moller named Associate Professor Stuart Berzins to become the inaugural Cancer Research Fellow, a joint position with the University of Ballarat.

Prof Kannourakis and Professor Fadi Charchar of the University of Ballarat said the position had been made possible by generous funding from Dorevitch Pathology.

“Stuart brings to the Centre a strong research background in the area of immune system in cancer and has relocated to Ballarat with his wife Morgan and their three young children,” said Prof Kannourakis.

“His appointment will bring the number of scientists and research students to nine within the BCRC.

“Stuart’s appointment will enhance the BCRC’s research capacity in the area of immune dysfunction and cancer.”

The Centre is an independent organisation located within the St John of God Hospital.

It is the largest non-metropolitan cancer research centre in Australia.