Scientific Award Recognises Cancer & Immunology Research

For the first time since its inception in 1980, two winners share the Glaxo Wellcome Australian Medal honours.

Drs. David Vaux & Andreas Strasser, Principal Research Fellows at the Molculars Genetics of Cancer Division, the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research in Melbourne, are being recognised for their pioneering work in the area of apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death.

Their discoveries have shaped the understanding of cell death control and pave the way for a future where the severity of heart attack and stroke may be able to be reduced by stopping cells dying.

It may also be possible, in the future, to treat people with cancer using curative doses of chemotherapy.

The contributions of David Vaux include the determination of a link between cell survival and neoplasia.

Andreas Strasser discovered two distinct apoptosis signalling pathways in mammalian cells. One of which he determined to be activated by cytotoxic conditions.

The Glaxo Wellcome Australian Award is given in recognition of distinguished discoveries in scientific and medical research that leads to important demonstrated or potential benefit to human health.

A requirment of the medal is that the majority of the research is undertaken in Australia.

For further information please contact Fiona Palmer, Industry & Public Affairs Manager, Glaxo Wellcome Australia on 03 9721 6721.