History
The Gillies McIndoe Research Institute originates in the pioneering surgical work done by Sir Harold Delf Gillies and his nephew Sir Archibald McIndoe during WWI and WWII.
Both born and trained in New Zealand, these men treated thousands of wounded soldiers using new reconstructive methods in plastic surgery, with McIndoe learning under Gillies in his earlier years.
Sir Harold Delf Gillies surrounded by former soldier patients
Fast-forward a few decades, and we meet Dr Swee Tan, the Institute’s founder, himself a reconstructive plastic surgeon who much admired the work of these New Zealand heroes. Dr Tan made his original scientific findings in researching of strawberry birthmarks, finding less intrusive methods of treating these tumours in children - treatment that was also faster, cheaper, and more effective.
Since then, our work has followed the same goal: finding treatment for cancer and other conditions that is less invasive, and more equitable and affordable.
Our work focuses on researching the potential to repurpose drugs by using a combination of off-patent, low-cost, and safe oral medications in new treatment approaches for these life-threatening and disfiguring conditions.
In December 2013, a state-of-the-art facility was opened in Newtown, Wellington. The opening of the institute allowed for the team to continue their vital work at the forefront of advances in the knowledge of cancer, birth anomalies, and regenerative medicine.
Sir John Key (left) and Dr Swee Tan (right). Sir John Key officially opened the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute 3 December 2013
Dr Swee Tan is the founder and chairman of the board of the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute.
Dr Tan has been involved with plastic surgery for 28 years of his 32-year medical career, as a highly skilled practitioner and a world-renowned researcher.
Dr Tan’s research focuses on addressing disfiguring and life-threatening diseases by understanding the disease at the cellular and molecular level to develop novel treatments that provide better patient outcomes. His research has achieved worldwide recognition.
After 15 years, Dr Tan’s vision to establish a dedicated research facility became a reality when the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon John Key, officially opened the state-of-the-art Gillies McIndoe Research Institute facility in December 2013.
In 2023 Dr Tan became chairman, and Dr Clint Gray stepped into the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute’s director role.
Support
Gillies McIndoe Research Institute is a Registered Charity (CC43660) relying mainly on private philanthropy, including donations, bequests, corporate championships, grants and scholarships. You can donate now or contact us to learn how you can support us and enable our research to continue.