New home for Museum of Human Disease

13 December 2005

The State Minister for Health John Hatzistergos has officially opened the newly relocated Museum of Human Disease at UNSW.

The museum, which is now in the Samuels Building on the Kensington campus, is part of the School of Medical Sciences (SOMS). It has more than 2,700 specimens of diseased tissue, some of which are extremely rare.

Among other distinguished guests at the launch were the Chancellor David Gonski and his father, Dr Alex Gonski.

Dr Gonski was a member of SOMS for 14 years. Many of his dissections are still used by the School.

As part of the event, SOMS also presented highlights from its current medical research units.

"Part of the museum's role is to increase awareness of health issues and involve the community in university life," the head of SOMS, Professor Denis Wakefield, said.

"The museum attracts 20,000 visitors each year, including medical students and members of the wider community. We hope this new facility makes it even more accessible."

Several gifted students from local high schools attended the event.

The Museum's latest exhibition 'Gutsy Stuff' was also launched by the ABC's Science presenter, Robyn Williams.

For further information about the museum, go to the website.