More kudos for Cory

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute director Prof Suzanne Cory has been awarded a Royal Society medal in recognition of her work into the molecular basis for cancer.

The recognition is Cory's second major award in just over two months, with the professor becoming the first Australian woman to be inducted into the French Academy of Sciences in May.

The latest honour sees the scientist become only the sixth Australian to receive the Royal Medal in its 177-year history.

Cory said the award was a major highlight of her scientific career. "I feel most privileged to have been able to play a role in the unfolding genetics revolution and to have worked alongside so many remarkable colleagues," she said, paying specific tribute to her husband and scientific partner Prof Jerry Adams.

"When I started on my career in science in the early 1960s, it was definitely a male-dominated arena. I hope that my achievements will inspire young women to aim for careers in science. It is such a challenging and exhilarating occupation."

The world's oldest scientific academy in continuous existence, the Royal Society was founded in 1660, with the Queen awarding the Royal Medal to just three scientists within the Commonwealth annually.

The citation for Cory's award, which she will receive in a ceremony in London in November, recognises her research using transgenic mice to establish the role of cancer-causing genes in lymphoma and leukaemia.

"Science in Australia has come a long way over recent years, with increased support from the federal and Victorian governments," Cory said. "I trust that international recognition of our talents at the highest levels will stimulate even greater commitment in science on the part of government and the wider community."