
Visionary Stories: Andrew Flies, Associate Professor working to save a state icon
Around the mid-nineties there was estimated to be around 60,000 Tasmanian Devils, but now due to a transmissible cancer that has spread across the state this number has dropped to about 15,000. Andrew Flies along with his team at Menzies Institute for Medical Research have been working to create a vaccine to save this iconic animal.
Tasmania is a place that cultivates and attracts leaders with the aspirations to advance fields of studies, using their expertise to make a real difference. Recently we have launched a video series of Visionary Stories that showcase some of these individuals and how they are making a difference.
One such story introduces you to BET Visionary, Andrew Flies. With a vision to prevent devils from getting tumours in the landscape, Andrew inspires those working in immunology to expand their perspectives and discover new ways to use their expertise to make a difference.
He has hopes to begin testing one new vaccine a year and to eventually prevent devils from getting tumours in the landscape.
Hear more of Andrew Flies story and the story of other visionaries by following the link below.