Professor John Rasko awarded Roche medal

13 September 2007
Professor John Rasko has been awarded the prestigious Roche Medal 2007 by the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular. The award, made to an outstanding young scientist, is in recognition of his exceptional track record in molecular medicine, including in gene therapy and molecular biology.

John is the director of cell and molecular therapies at the Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and head of the gene and stem cell therapy program at the Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology.

Among his career achievements are leading a team to the discovery of the gene responsible for a human metabolic disorder of amino acid transport; and contributing substantially to advances in basic and clinical gene therapy including an international trial in haemophilia.

He also serves on state and national bodies including the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee and is active in fundraising for many biomedical charities. He is the immediate Past-President of the Australasian Gene Therapy Society and is on the editorial boards of Pathology and Journal of Gene Medicine.

In accepting this award, John wishes to recognise the contribution of many scientific mentors and collaborators and the support of his family.

The award will be presented on 24 September.