Dr Zachery Moore is the inaugural recipient of The Greg Lange Fellowship and is part of The Brain Cancer Research Laboratory team at WEHI.
Zac is passionate about “teaching old drugs new tricks” exploring drugs that have already been developed and are approved to use across other diseases, and investigating if they can be repurposed for use in brain cancer.
His research could hold the key for innovative new therapies that make a positive impact on treatment options available for patients.
Watch the video of The Greg Lange Fellowship inagural recipient – Dr Zachery Moore
Where did you do your early research/training?
I completed both undergraduate and postgraduate studies at The University of Melbourne. During my PhD, I focused on understanding how immune cells within the brain modulate levels of inflammation, and how this can then lead to poor outcomes to those with Alzheimer’s disease.
What drew you to work on brain cancer?
I’ve always had a passion for all things neuroscience. But after working in Alzheimer’s for some time, it was time for a change. I was fortunate enough to have an interview with the 3 heads of the Brain Cancer Research Laboratory during the beginnings of the lab, and saw that this new approach to science and placement within the broader Brain Cancer Centre could be the start of something big.
What’s your biggest achievement so far?
Far and away being the recipient of the Greg Lange Fellowship. Not only is it an honour to be the inaugural fellow, but also to be seen as an emerging scientist and be supported along the way. It can feel surreal at times! Mum is super proud as well.
What’s your hope for your research?
My hope is that throughout my work I am able to find a drug that looks promising, ensure that it works, and then eventually move it into the clinic. That’s a really exciting prospect as well – being within the bigger Brain Cancer Centre, we have all the required expertise and frameworks to potentially make that happen.
Can you describe your research?
We have a wide range of drugs and medicines that have been developed and approved for use across several diseases. Though each has been developed with a certain disease in mind, there is every chance that they could be repurposed for use in brain cancer. My work aims to identify and test these drugs.
What are your hobbies?
I really enjoy cycling as a way of winding down outside of the lab. It’s a great way to see new places around Melbourne with the added benefit of getting some exercise. Otherwise, I’m teaching myself to code or hanging out with my cat.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I would say from my Gran – buy nice or buy twice.
