Get ready for a remarkable journey through nearly four decades of iron metabolism research, from ground-breaking discoveries in liver disease to unforgettable lab stories involving a gel disaster and the QIMR Berghofer resident goose. Professor Greg Anderson reflects on mentorship, scientific breakthroughs, and the vibrant culture of QIMR Berghofer. Plus, hear about why science is as much about people as it is about data. A wonderful celebration of curiosity, collaboration and the colourful history behind 80 years of science!

What drives a doctor to swap the wards for epidemiology, and spark a global revolution in skin cancer prevention? In this deeply human conversation, Professor Adele Green AC, reveals how a desk in a sick bay led to one of the most significant public health breakthroughs of our time. With warmth and candour, she shares the story behind the first clinical proof that sunscreen prevents skin cancer, the power of community collaboration and the joy of building a team that changed lives. This is science at its most personal and most impactful.

What’s it like to land in 1980s Brisbane with no email, no fax and a suitcase full of hope? From measuring heads in Charleville to rewriting the global playbook on breast cancer risk, one of Australia’s leading voices in cancer genetics shares what’s changed, what hasn’t and why science is always personal. This episode is for anyone curious about the people behind the petri dishes — and the persistence behind the publications.

From wartime breakthroughs to modern-day discoveries, Emeritus Professor Colin Mackerras reflects on his remarkable family legacy, including his uncle Ian Mackerras, QIMR’s very first director, and his aunt Josephine Bancroft, a pioneering scientist in her own right. Together, they helped shape the future of health in Australia. It’s science, yes, but it’s also love, legacy, and the lives behind the lab coats.

Colin Mackerras about his legendary aunt and uncle, Josephine Bancroft and Ian Mackerras, QIMR’s first director. They were a powerhouse research couple who loved science almost as much as they loved fishing (and yes, they tested the fish before they ate them). Funny, inspiring, and deeply human. This is the side of medical research you don’t usually hear.

In this special episode celebrating 80 years of QIMR Berghofer, one of the Institute’s longest-serving scientists about his early days in biochemistry, the mentors who shaped him, and the world-first research that’s changing lives. It’s funny, heartfelt, and full of science that hits close to home.

Stories of his time as a PhD student borrowing a ute to from UQ to take blood from truckdrivers on the roadside, “Robust discussions with his colleague,” and remembering life when finding the latest published paper was a social occasion. He fondly recalls the people and the work that make us punch above our weight.

The first in a special QIMR Berghofer Originals 80th Anniversary podcast series

Professor Michael Good AO is a distinguished immunologist and former director of QIMR, Berghofer (2000-2010). He joins Clare Blake to celebrate eight decades of bold ideas, real science and the brilliant men and women who made it happen.

What if we told you a scientist set out to cure malaria… and might end up curing cancer?

Join Associate Professor Michelle Wykes as she shares the remarkable story behind her game-changing discovery that could help treat common but tricky "cold cancers" like colon and triple-negative breast cancer. From jaw-dropping lab results to her surprising fibre epiphany (and love for burgers!), Michelle gets real about prevention, diet myths, and what it takes to move a promising treatment from mice to humans.

Big science, bigger dreams—and practical advice you can use tonight at dinner.

*Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Please seek your own medical advice.