Insulin receptor researchers win CSIRO award

A team of scientists who determined the molecular structure of the insulin receptor has won the 2006 CSIRO Chairman's Medal.

Around 200 guests were invited to the CSIRO Medals ceremony at the Queensland Bioscience Precinct in Brisbane, including the Member for Dickson and Federal Revenue Minister and Assistant Treasurer, Peter Dutton, who launched the CSIRO 80th anniversary commemorative polymer banknote.

The discovery of the molecular structure of the insulin receptor may lead to further developments to enhance understanding of how insulin functions in the body.

The team from CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, led by Dr Colin Ward, has been at the forefront of research on the structural biology of the insulin receptor family since the early 1990s.

CSIRO chairman, Catherine Livingstone presented the medal to Ward at the ceremony.

"The challenge of solving this structure has thwarted many laboratories worldwide over the last two decades, so this is a great scientific achievement," Livingstone said.

"This discovery will facilitate future research that ultimately might lead to the development of new therapies for diabetes or cancer."

The CSIRO Chairman's Medal is awarded annually to the scientists who have carried out research and development of national or international importance in the advancement of scientific knowledge, technology application or commercialisation.