Ian Frazer is an immunologist who was instrumental in developing the first vaccine designed to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and thereby avoid associated cases of cervical cancer — with the potential to save a quarter of a million lives each year. In related research, Ian is also working on a treatment for HPV infection.
To develop the vaccine, Ian and his colleagues used molecular biology techniques to create particles that could mimic HPV. Crucially, they were able to construct the viral shell in the same shape as that of the virus — necessary in order for the vaccine to work.
Ian has won more than 20 awards for science, including the Distinguished Fellow Award of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, and the Gold Medal of the Australian Medical Association. He is a supporter of GAVI, an organisation that aims to increase access to immunisation in developing countries.
Professional position
- Director, Cancer Immunotherapy, University Of Queensland
Awards
Balzan Prize
For preventive medicine, including vaccination.
