Discovery Fund Luncheon celebrates multimillion-dollar impact on medical research progress

The 2026 SVI Discovery Fund Luncheon, graciously hosted by Discovery Fund Committee Chair Christine Tarascio AM and her family, brought together supporters, scientists and friends for an engaging afternoon celebrating the impact of philanthropy on medical research.

The event highlighted the remarkable growth and impact of the Discovery Fund, which has now reached over $8.5 million in value. Since distributions began in 2021, more than $3.3 million has been directed to support pioneering research at SVI.

Guests at the Luncheon heard how this funding enables scientists to respond to urgent challenges, bridge funding gaps and pursue innovative ideas that may otherwise go unsupported. Christine reflected on the Fund’s origins and its deeply personal inspiration, while also acknowledging the extraordinary generosity of its members. She emphasised the critical role of continued philanthropy in sustaining momentum, particularly in an increasingly competitive funding environment.

Several of SVI’s leading researchers attended, giving guests an opportunity to connect directly with the minds driving medical breakthroughs. Among them were Professor Tom Kay, SVI Director, Associate Professor Elaine Sanij, Head of DNA Damage & Cancer Therapy, and Associate Professor Andrew Deans, Head of Genome Stability.

Guests heard from Associate Professor Davis McCarthy, Head of Bioinformatics & Cellular Genomics, who presented how his team’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools are transforming the detection of breast cancer.

The researchers’ presence underscored the tangible impact of the Discovery Fund, which connects supporters with the research their generosity empowers, and brings to life the real-world outcomes of sustained philanthropic investment.

“What makes the Discovery Fund so special is the direct connection it creates between our supporters and the science they’re enabling,” said SVI Director Professor Tom Kay.

“Every contribution gives our researchers the chance to explore ideas that might otherwise go unfunded, bringing us closer to better health outcomes.”

With powerful examples of research breakthroughs and resilience shared throughout the afternoon, the luncheon was both a celebration of progress and a call to action, ensuring the Discovery Fund continues to drive life-changing discoveries into the future.