A team of researchers from WEHI and Monash University has received the 2021 Clunies Ross Knowledge Commercialisation Award from the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE).

The ATSE Awards recognise the successful application of Australian research – from a range of fields, including biotech, fintech, engineering and agriculture – which has the potential to improve countless lives and build major new Australian businesses.

A research team led by WEHI’s Professor Anne Voss and Associate Professor Tim Thomas, and Professor Jonathan Baell from Monash University, received the award for fundamental research on novel targets for cancer therapeutics that have since been the basis of clinical-stage drug development.

At a glance

• The ATSE’s Clunies Ross Awards recognise Australians who have shared their vision and knowledge to apply technology for the benefit of Australia.
• The 2021 Clunies Ross Knowledge Commercialisation Award recognises the contributions of a team of WEHI and Monash University scientists for fundamental research on novel targets for cancer therapeutics that have since been the basis of clinical-stage drug development.

Highlighting Australian innovation success

ATSE President Professor Hugh Bradlow warmly congratulated all the award winners.

“One of the key objectives of the Academy is to celebrate excellence in using applied science, engineering and technology to create solutions for the betterment of Australian society,” Professor Bradlow said.

“The 2021 ATSE Awards highlight the breadth of Australian talent and how it is enabling innovation success stories.

“Our awardees are improving existing Australian industries and creating new ones.”

Professor Voss said the awards were encouragement for the research team to continue their efforts.

“The Clunies Ross Knowledge Commercialisation Award is a lovely recognition of our work,” Professor Voss said.

“We are grateful for the support from the Cancer Therapeutics Co-operative Research Centre throughout the years, which has allowed us to continue to pursue this research.

“Based on our research, new drug candidates have been developed that are currently in clinical trials. If these clinical trials are successful, new treatment options will become available for patients with cancer.”

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