RESEARCHERS & MEMBERS RECOGNISED FOR CONTRIBUTION TO CLINICAL TRIALS

Researchers & members recognised for contribution to breast cancer clinical trials & improved patient outcomes

Members of the Australia and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG) play an important role in the conduct of the Group’s research program and improving outcomes for women at risk of or diagnosed with breast cancer.

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

This year, two new awards were presented during the 2013 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM): These awards are in addition to the existing awards available to members of the ANZBCTG. The following awards were presented during the 2013 ASM:
For more information about awards that are available to Members of the ANZBCTG, please visit the research section of our website at www.anzbctg.org. Nominations for the 2014 awards will open early next year.

• The Robert Sutherland Award for Excellence in Translational Research was presented to Professor Geoffrey Lindeman from The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria. This award recognises Translational Researchers and their achievements and contributions to improved patient outcomes as well as scientific excellence. The award is named after the late Professor Robert Sutherland AO.
• The Alan Coates Award for Excellence in Clinical Trials Research was presented to Associate Professor Prudence Francis from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria. This award recognises a member of the ANZBCTG who has made an outstanding contribution to the ANZBCTG’s clinical trials research program and aims to assist the recipient in their professional development. The award is named after Professor Alan Coates AM, who is one of the founding members of the ANZBCTG.
• The John Collins Fellow Medal and Travel Grant was presented to Dr Rebecca Read from The Poche Centre, NSW. This award was established to encourage potential academic Breast Cancer Surgeons and Registrars to become involved in clinical trials research. The award is named after one of the founding members of the ANZBCTG, Associate Professor John Collins.
• 2013 Study Coordinator Prize was presented to Ms Megan Livingston from the Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW. This award acknowledges outstanding commitment to the ANZBCTG and the clinical trials research program by a Study Coordinator.
• Avon Travel Grants recognise Study Coordinators, junior Clinicians and other Group Members who are unable to access institutional or other funding to attend the ASM and are generously supported by Avon. Recipients in 2013 were Mrs Jayne Bowers, Dr Rachel Dear, Miss Emma Eagles, Mrs Rebecca Griffiths, Dr Clara Lee, Mrs Toni Marafioti, Dr Dhanusha Sabanathan and Ms Jo-Anne Thompson.