Francoise Mechinaud

Louise Ludlow, Tissue bank Coordinator at the RCH Children’s cancer Centre, has provided us with the following report on the departure of Dr Francoise Mechinaud.

Farewell Dr Francoise Mechinaud.
Together with Prof. Richard Saffery (Group leader, MCRI), Dr. Francoise Mechinaud (Director, Children’s Cancer Centre) was pivotal in the initial funding application to establish the Tissue Bank and enable my recruitment as Tissue Bank Coordinator in 2013.  Over the years she was strongly engaged with CIKA and supported many events, including the 2014 annual fundraising ball at The Pullman, Albert Park (see photo below) and our annual Lab Open Day in 2016.  Her extensive scientific knowledge and engagement with the clinical team were integral in establishing our world-class Tissue Bank.  Her guidance and determination allowed us to overcome many challenges and she frequently referred to our Tissue Bank as “A Treasure”.  Her inspirational vision of establishing the Tissue Bank leaves the Children’s Cancer Centre well placed to move towards precision medicine.  Francoise will commence a new role in paediatric oncology at Robert Debré Hospital within the Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris and she looks forward to hearing about the future success of the Tissue Bank.

CIKA appreciates Francoise’s involvement in the establishment and operation of the Tissue Bank and we wish her well in her new role at the Robert Debré Hospital .