SSMRF Funding Life-Changing Medical Research Across Southern Sydney

For almost two decades, the St George & Sutherland Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF) has played a vital role in supporting groundbreaking medical research across St George and Sutherland Hospitals, funding projects that are improving healthcare outcomes for local families and communities.

Since 2007, SSMRF has funded more than 80 research projects across a wide range of medical fields, awarding more than $9 million in funding to support innovative research, emerging clinicians and world-leading medical discoveries.

The Foundation’s investment in research continues to drive advancements in areas including:

• Cancer research
• Immunology
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Gastroenterology
• Women’s and children’s health
• Mental health
• Obesity and metabolic diseases
• Intensive care and emergency medicine

These projects are helping deliver earlier diagnoses, more effective treatments and better patient outcomes — not only for the Southern Sydney community, but for patients around the world.

Supporting Breakthrough Cancer Research

Among the latest projects supported by SSMRF is the important cancer research being led by Dr Joyce Chiu.

Dr Chiu was awarded an SSMRF Cancer Research Grant to investigate how tumours can prevent immune cells from reaching cancer cells — and how removing these barriers could improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for patients with advanced cancer.

Immunotherapy has transformed treatment for many cancer patients, however it does not yet work for everyone. Research like Dr Chiu’s is helping scientists better understand why some cancers resist treatment and how future therapies can become more effective.

Speaking about the project, Dr Chiu said:

“Immunotherapy has given many people with advanced cancer new hope.”

Her research aims to improve the ability of immune cells to enter tumours and attack cancer more effectively, potentially helping more patients benefit from these life-saving therapies in the future.

Research Creating Real Impact

SSMRF-funded research has already helped launch major medical breakthroughs and supported researchers who have gone on to secure prestigious national grants and awards.

Over the years, Foundation-backed researchers have progressed into nationally recognised leaders in their fields, with projects receiving further support from organisations including the NHMRC and the Ramaciotti Foundation.

The Foundation’s continued growth reflects the importance of community-supported medical research and the impact local partnerships can have on advancing healthcare innovation.

Tynan Motors’ Longstanding Support of SSMRF

Tynan Motors has proudly supported the St George & Sutherland Medical Research Foundation for many decades, contributing to fundraising initiatives and helping raise awareness for vital local medical research.

Further strengthening this long-standing connection, Madeline Tynan, Director of Tynan Motors, has served on the SSMRF Board since 2008, helping guide and support the Foundation’s mission to improve healthcare outcomes through research and innovation.

Following the passing of Michael Tynan OAM in 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer, the Tynan family also launched the Michael Tynan Memorial Challenge, which has raised significant funds for medical research across the region.

This ongoing commitment reflects the Tynan family’s passion for giving back to the community and supporting research that has the potential to save lives for future generations.

Investing in the Future of Healthcare

Every donation, fundraiser and community partnership helps SSMRF continue funding the next generation of medical breakthroughs.

By supporting research at St George and Sutherland Hospitals, SSMRF is helping local clinicians and scientists create a healthier future for communities across Southern Sydney and beyond.

To learn more about SSMRF and the research they have funded, visit: Learn More About SSMRF Research