2018 BCT AWARDS PRESENTED AT THE ASM

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 2018 awards were presented during the 40th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), which was held at The Westin Sydney from 25-27 July.

The Alan Coates Award for Excellence in Clinical Trials Research was presented to Professor Fran Boyle AM.

This award recognises a member of BCT who has made an outstanding contribution to BCT’s clinical trials research program. It aims to assist the recipient in their professional development. Professor Boyle is a Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Sydney and the Director of the Patricia Ritchie Centre for Cancer Care and Research, at the Mater Hospital in Sydney.

Fran has been involved with Breast Cancer Trials for almost 20 years and has held a number of positions within the organisation. She was the Chair of the Board of Directors from 2012 to 2015, she Chaired the Scientific Advisory Committee from 2005 to 2010, she is a member of the Communications and Fundraising Committee, and is the Deputy Chair of the CHARIOT clinical trial. She has participated in many of the ground-breaking trials conducted by BCT, including HERA and POEMS, and she also serves on the IBCSG Foundation.

The Robert Sutherland Award for Excellence in Translational Research was presented to Professor Carlos Arteaga.

This award recognises Translational Researchers and their achievements and contributions to improved patient outcomes. The award is open to Translational Researchers worldwide. Professor Arteaga is the Director of the Harold C Simmons Cancer Center and Associate Dean for Oncology Programs at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The John Collins Medal and Travel Grant was awarded to Dr Synn Lynn Chin.

This award was established to encourage potential academic Breast Cancer Surgeons and Registrars to become involved in clinical trials research. Dr Chin is a Breast Oncoplastic Surgery Fellow at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

The Study Coordinator Prize was presented to Ms Victoria Sproule.

This prize acknowledges outstanding commitment to the BCT’s clinical trials research program by a Study Coordinator. Ms Sproule is a Nurse at Genesis Cancer Care.

Avon Travel Grants were awarded to Sharon Clark, Jasmine Hee, Anita Krishnan, Lyndsey Grollman, Deepti Pandey, Angela Benson, Hollie Ritchie, Dr Sarah Khan and Dr Sara Wahlroos.

These grants are generously supported by Avon and 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.