Our story - Research news - SVI’s Professor Michael Parker wins Ramaciotti Medal
SVI’s Professor Michael Parker wins Ramaciotti Medal
November 14th, 2011
Professor Michael Parker has been awarded the prestigious Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence in Biomedical Research and a $50,000 grant.
In a career that spans more than 25 years, Professor Parker’s research has made major advances in the field of protein crystallography, a process akin to an X-ray microscope that allows researchers a three dimensional look at the atomic structure of proteins, the building blocks of the body. The shapes discovered through this process have provided the basis for designing drugs to treat a range of serious diseases, including Alzheimer’s, leukaemia and other cancers, and infections.
“I’m thrilled that my work has been highlighted by the Ramaciotti Foundations and accept this award with great thanks,” said Professor Parker. “It is a wonderful thing to be recognised, not just as a protein crystallographer, but as a medical researcher who has been fortunate to make a real impact.”
Professor Parker says he is passionate about the future of medical research in Australia, and an important element of that future is recognising and rewarding local scientists and their work throughout their careers.
The Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence in Biomedical Research carries an award of $50,000 and recognises outstanding contribution to clinical or biomedical research, or the way in which healthcare is delivered. The nominee must still be actively engaged in research and must have previously received support from the Ramaciotti Foundations. High profile past winners include Professors Sam Berkovic, Chris Parish, SVI’s Jack Martin, Robert Baxter, Ian Frazer and Christopher Goodnow.
Professor Parker has previously received support from the Ramaciotti Foundations in 2000, 2004 and 2007, where the grants he received enabled a new focus on using protein structures to discover drugs.
“The Ramaciotti Foundations support emerging researchers early in their career, often enabling them to buy equipment or start a piece of work that can be critical to their future successes.”
SVI Director Professor Tom Kay says, “Professor Parker is an outstanding scientist who has made major contributions in health research and is a deserving recipient of the Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence in Biomedical Research."