We are pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2017 Translational Research Award is Professor Peter Shepherd, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology.
The Translational Research Award is given annually to an eminent New Zealand investigator who has made outstanding contributions to translational cancer research.
Peter was selected via a competitive nomination process judged by a panel comprised of former Presidents and Professorial Members of the NZSO. His nomination drew attention to his tireless efforts in promoting and synchronising collaborative projects in translational cancer research.
Among many achievements, his leadership and expertise in cell signalling have proven to be essential in numerous anti-cancer drug development projects, including PWT33597, a PI-3 kinase inhibitor which was successfully developed into phase 1 clinical trial.
Professor Shepherd leads research focusing on the PI 3-kinase pathway, the VEGF pathway, growth factor receptors, factors affecting response to MEK and BRAF inhibitors, the role of growth hormone receptors and the mechanisms by which targeted agents impact on melanoma and glioblastoma.
He will present his award lecture entitled “To PI3-Kinase and Back Again” at the NZSO 2017 Annual Meeting.