“Australian 11” of medical research: GSK Award for Research Excellence finalists announced

A selection of Australia’s leading medical researchers have been declared finalists in the 2012 GlaxoSmithKline Award for Research Excellence, with the winner to be announced on September 11.

The finalists come from a broad range of specialisations, from immunology to biochemistry to medical device development, representing the breadth of Australian scientific expertise.

Finalists include:

Professor Ranjeny Thomas from The University of Queensland – nominated for a revolutionary approach to treat and prevent rheumatoid arthritis, a disease affecting more than 400,000 Australians.

Professor Mark Kendall, from the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology – nominated for developing a needle-free vaccination system which could make treatments for diseases like malaria and influenza more affordable and available to global communities.

Professor Peter Gibson from the University of Newcastle – nominated for the extraordinary breadth of research into chronic respiratory diseases that has led to major advances in treatments and care for people suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic cough.

Professor George Paxinos from the Neuroscience Research Australia – nominated for developing the brain maps used by scientists around the world for drug development and to improve neurosurgery capabilities.

Professor John Stanley Mattick from Garvan Institute of Medical Research – nominated for proving that what was previously dismissed as ‘junk’ within the human genome – about 99% of our DNA – now holds the key to understanding human evolution, development, cognition and complex diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Professor Chris Goodnow from the Australian National University – nominated for his globally recognised research into the function of and treatments for autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus – diseases where a person’s autoimmune system attacks healthy tissue.

Professor Ashley Bush, from the Mental Health Research Institute in Melbourne – nominated for his significant breakthroughs in showing how naturally occurring metals may be involved in the development of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.

Professor James Whisstock from Monash University – nominated for his research on perforin-like proteins which may help pave the way for drugs that prevent bone marrow transplant rejection and treat certain immune diseases.

Professor Grant McArthur from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre – nominated for developing new treatments for advanced stages of melanoma.

Professor Sharad Kumar from the Centre for Cancer Biology – nominated for his wide-ranging discoveries and research on key genes, proteins and pathways underpinning multiple human diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and development deficiencies.

Professor Simon Mallal from the Murdoch Institute and Royal Perth Hospital – nominated for his research into genetic testing to prevent drug hypersensitivity that has led to significant advancements in international HIV treatment guidelines and understanding into drug toxicity.

“These finalists have dedicated their careers to pioneering vital research and innovation to improve human health,” said GSK Australia Medical Director Dr Andrew Yeates.

“Their work has furthered crucial fields of study and has the potential to have widespread health, social and economic benefits, while contributing to the work of clinicians and scientists globally.

“The breadth and diversity of their research is exceptional. It is also wonderful to see finalists based right across Australian states and from a broad range of our top research institutes.”

The awards are in their 32nd year, and the winner will be announced on September 11 in Melbourne, with 1982 recipient, Professor Ian Gust AO, giving a speech at the event on the importance of supporting medical research in Australia.