2019 BCT AWARDS PRESENTED AT THE 41ST ASM

2019 BCT Awards Presented at the 41st Annual Scientific Meeting

Members of Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) and breast cancer researchers were recognised during (BCT’s) 41st Annual Scientific Meeting in Adelaide, South Australia.

The BCT Awards Program aims to recognise the valuable contribution that BCT members and researchers make to the group’s clinical trials research program; provide professional development opportunities to members; promote the activities of BCT; recognise outstanding achievement by researchers, clinicians and scientists in their particular field; and encourage participation in breast cancer clinical trials research.

The 2019 awards were presented during our Annual Scientific meeting (ASM), which was held at The Hilton Adelaide from 24-26 July. The ASM was also an opportunity to recognise the valuable contribution and achievements of BCT-ANZ members to the Group’s research program and to encourage participation in BCT’s research activities.

The following awards were presented at the ASM;

The Gold Medal was presented to Professor Martin Tattersall

This award recognises the outstanding efforts and achievements of a founding member of BCT, who has played an instrumental role in the development of breast cancer clinical trials research in this region. Over his expansive career Professor Martin Tattersall secured approximately $20 million of research funding and is an Oncologist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney. He was a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Cancer Committee for 20 years and he is a Life Member of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) Roll of Honour. He was awarded the Medical Oncology Group of Australia (MOGA) Cancer Achievement Award in 2000.

The Robert Sutherland Award for Excellence in Translational Research was presented to Professor Sherene Loi

This award recognises Translational Researchers and their achievements and contributions to improved patient outcomes. Professor Sherene Loi is recognised internationally as a leading clinician scientist whose work has led to new insights into the immunology field in breast cancer and she leads several international breast cancer clinical trials in immunotherapy. She is the head of the Translational Breast Cancer Genomics and Therapeutics Laboratory, is on the Scientific Advisory Committee of BCT and is co-chair of the Translational Working Group of the International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) based in Switzerland.

Professor Loi is also the current holder of the inaugural National Breast Cancer Foundation of Australia Endowed Chair, is a research fellow of the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCRF), New York, and is on the Scientific Committee for Breast Cancer for the American Society and Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

The John Collins Medal and Travel Grant was presented to Dr Holly Keane and Dr Anannya Chakrabarti

This award was established to encourage potential academic Breast Surgeons to become involved in clinical trials research. Dr Holly Keane from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute and Dr Anannya Chakrabarti is from the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.

The Study Coordinator Prize was presented to Ms Kanako Ohara

This award acknowledges outstanding commitment to BCT and the clinical trials research program by a Study Coordinator.

Education Travel Grants were awarded to Eileen Hozack, Cassandra Rubio, Dr Emma-Kate Carson, Kristine Nakhel, Diane Canning, Kelsey Bumford, Lisa Wilkinson, Aylin Yahya, Sally Pontre and Kanako Ohara

These grants recognise Study Coordinators and junior Clinicians who are unable to access institutional or other funding to attend the ASM.

Breast Cancer Trials is the oldest and largest oncology clinical trials group in Australia and New Zealand, and we exist to find new and improved breast cancer treatments and prevention strategies through clinical trials research. Our research program involves almost 800 members in 101 institutions and more than 15,000 women have participated in our clinical trials.

For more information about BCT, please visit our website at www.breastcancertrials.org.au.

Contact: Anna Fitzgerald, BCT Communications Manager 0400 304 224, 02 4925 5256 or anna.fitzgerald@bctrials.org.au

Our life-saving breast cancer research is only possible thanks to the continued generosity of our supporters. Please help continue this vital work by making a donation today.