Precision Medicine Leader recognised with Ramaciotti Medal of Excellence

Last night, Professor Tim Hughes, SAHMRI Precision Medicine Theme Leader was recognised for his contribution to biomedical research and clinical impact, through the Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence in Biomedical Research, at an awards ceremony in Brisbane. 

Professor Hughes is currently headed towards the summit of Kilimanjaro, where he is Climbing for a Cure for CML, with research and clinical colleagues and patients, raising funds for the iCMLF. The award was accepted on his behalf by SAHMRI Chief Science Storyteller, Dr Hannah Brown.

The Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence recognises Professor Hughes' work in the development and refinement of kinase inhibitor therapy for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), transforming CML from a universally fatal disease into one associated with nearly normal survival.

Accepting his Ramaciotti Medal of Excellence, Professor Hughes said: “This is a huge honour and I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of a stellar team of scientists and clinicians. I want to thank the Ramaciotti Foundations for recognising our work which is focussed on improving outcomes for patients with leukaemia.

“This recognition from the Foundations and from our peers is crucial for our research program. The funding support we need from philanthropic and government sources is highly competitive. This will greatly enhance our prospects of future funding both nationally and internationally.

“It will also help us attract the next generation of scientists and clinicians to join our team to help us address the many challenges ahead.”

The Ramaciotti Foundations are collectively one of the largest private contributors to biomedical research in Australia, and have granted over $59 million to research projects since 1970.

For over 49 years, the Foundations have had a significant impact on scientific research in Australia and the health and wellbeing of people worldwide.

The Ramaciotti Medal is an annual award of $50,000. The Medal honours an individual who has made an outstanding discovery (or discoveries) in clinical or experimental biomedical research that has had an important impact on biomedical science, clinical science, or the way in which healthcare is delivered.