For a quarter of a century, the man known as the father of
clinical genetics in Australia, Professor David Danks, was at the
forefront of research and discoveries following on from the initial
discovery of DNA.
He founded what is today, the Murdoch Childrens Research
Institute, giving life to what is now Australia's largest child
health research institute.
Now, seven years after his passing, author Carolyn Rasmussen and
Mr Danks' youngest son, Alister, have documented his many
achievements in a new biography titled, Double Helix, Double
Joy.
The book was recently launched by Governor of Victoria,
Professor David de Kretser at an event attended by 100 friends,
family and colleagues.
Mr Danks' son Alister knew the story of his father - a man who
dedicated most of his life to medical research - had a remarkable
story that needed to be told.
"Over the years Dad achieved such an incredible level of
success, driven by his will to know why disease occurred and how it
could be anticipated and prevented," he said.
Born into a long-established Melbourne family of hardware
merchants, Mr Danks instead decided on a career in medicine,
choosing to train with the pioneers of human genetics in London and
also the USA.
"In 1986, with the encouragement and support of Dame Elisabeth
Murdoch, Sir Jack Brockhoff and others, Professor Danks established
the Murdoch Institute.
"This was an incredibly brave act because clinical genetics was
a relatively unknown discipline at that time."
Under Professor Danks' leadership, the Institute became the
premier centre for clinical genetics training in Australia and the
Asia Pacific region.
The Institute started with a handful of researchers, and
Professor Danks' vision for an independent genetics research
institute.
He recognised the importance of genetics research, especially
for understanding childhood conditions, even when this science was
in its infancy.
Professor Danks also established the Victorian Clinical Genetics
Service in 1988 which today is the main provider of clinical and
laboratory genetic services to Victorian families.
Murdoch Childrens Director Professor Terry Dwyer described Mr
Danks as a true pioneer in human genetic research in Australia.
"It was Mr Danks' vision and tireless dedication in the early
days of the Institute that has today enabled our researchers to
make major discoveries and improve the health and wellbeing of
children in Australian and overseas"
Double Helix, Double Joy is available through Melbourne
University Publishing at www.mup.com.au or at selected bookshops
including Readings and the University of Melbourne bookshop.