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A world-leading researcher into asbestos-related diseases at The University of Western Australia has received an international award for her outstanding contribution to mesothelioma research.

Professor Anna Nowak, medical oncologist and a senior researcher at the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases is this year’s recipient of the Pioneer Award from the International Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation for her exceptional achievements and dedication to mesothelioma research.

Professor Nowak is attending today’s International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma in the US city of Bethesda, Maryland and will receive her award during tonight’s conference awards dinner.

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in the US. It presents the award annually to ‘thought-leaders and allies’ who have substantially contributed to the advancement of mesothelioma research, treatment, care, support, education and advocacy.

Professor Nowak splits her time between research and clinical care of patients with cancer, and specifically treats and researches two invariably fatal cancers: malignant mesothelioma and brain tumours.

The National Centre of Asbestos Related Diseases is based at UWA and conducts world-leading research into mesothelioma and other diseases caused by asbestos.

A member of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, Professor Nowak is currently working with UWA research fellow Dr Joost Lesterhuis on a new clinical trial called the DREAM study.

The study combines immunotherapy – currently the most cutting-edge cancer treatment – with chemotherapy for the first time in treating mesothelioma at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

Melinda Kotzian, CEO of the International Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, said the Pioneer Award was one way of honouring Professor Nowak’s dedication and success.

“Not only is Dr Nowak a talented scientist whose contributions to the field of mesothelioma research and treatment brings hope to our patient community; she is also an incredibly caring and humble clinician whose first and foremost priority is always the patient,” Ms Kotzian said.

National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases Director Professor Bruce Robinson said he had watched with admiration and delight Professor Nowak’s progress from junior doctor to PhD student and then becoming one of the world’s leading mesothelioma experts and researchers.

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Media and Public Relations Manager) (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4)32 637 716