Not many people would think of scientists as thrill-seekers but PhD student Anton Hsu thinks that risk taking is actually an excellent trait for a good researcher.

Last month, Anton completed the 2023 Trans Tasmania Enduro event – which involved five days climbing some of Australia’s highest peaks to not only pursue his own passion but to fundraise for cancer research at Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI).

Anton works in the Telomere Length Regulation Unit where he is interested in the immortalisation of cancer cells. He says there is quite the connection between his career and his passion.

“At first glance there wouldn’t appear to be much that cancer research and mountain biking have in common,’’ Anton said. “But through a more esoteric lens it can be said that both mountain biking and cancer research rely on a healthy dose of risk-taking.

“In the case of the former this might look like sending it off sizeable jumps and drops, or, specifically for the Trans Tasmania Enduro, racing double black trails blind. With the latter, risk-taking might look more like a "leap of faith" on a hypothesis or working model that you believe has the potential to further our collective understanding of cancer biology.’’

In Tasmania, Anton completed 5000 metres of climbing mountains and 7500 metres of descents over 120 kilometres.

Anton said this challenge was a perfect opportunity to fundraise for his lab, because CMRI has such a strong history in community fundraising.

“Our fundraising efforts have always been a big part of what makes CMRI unique, so it was only natural to partner with my institute to establish a campaign to raise money for our research around this race event,’’ Anton said.

“Fundraising is most effective when you can use not only something you're passionate about, but that also perks ears, to bring awareness to the cause at heart, so we had all the right ingredients in place!

“The Trans Tasmania Enduro x Jeans for Genes campaign offers a unique but approachable way for people to support a cause they're passionate about, like finding cures for children's cancer. ‘’

If you would like to support and acknowledge the incredible efforts of this young researcher, his fundraising page is still open.

You can read more about his event and donate here: https://myfundraiser.cmri.org....