Smiling for Smiddy Cell Cycle Melanoma Research

The work of the Smiling for Smiddy Cell Cycle Melanoma Research Group is focused on three reserach themes. The Research Group is investigating a mechanism involved in repair of ultraviolet radiation induced damage that is defective in a high proportion of melanomas, trying to find the molecular basis of the defect, and how they can selectively destroy melanomas with this defect.

The lab is also investigating a second defect that is common in melanomas and other cancers, especially lung cancer, and is working to develop drugs that they have found target this defect for clinical use. The Group's third focus is on a project developing drugs they have identified as selectively targeting cervical cancers for clinical application.

The Smiling for Smiddy Cell Cycle Melanoma Research Group is named in memory of Adam Smiddy, a kind-hearted physiotherapist and triathlete who passed away in 2006 from an aggressive melanoma, aged just 26. Supported by Mater Foundation, the Smiling for Smiddy community, supported by Mater Foundation, is fulled by the values of 'teamwork, spirit and matership' and is a powerful force for good under the nurturing guidance of Adam’s dad, David, and his late mum Maria.

Since 2006, Mater Smiling for Smiddy has contributed over $13 million to vital cancer research at Mater—research that has a national and international impact and has driven tangible impacts in immunology, anti-cancer vaccines, the finessing of new drugs and exploration of new ways to lessen the side effects of cancer research.