Suzanne Cory is a molecular biologist who studies the genetics of the immune system and cancer. Her notable contributions, made together with longstanding scientific partner and Royal Society Fellow Jerry Adams, include finding 5’ caps on eukaryotic messenger RNAs; furthering our understanding of immunoglobulin (Ig) gene diversity; and the discovery that chromosome translocations linking the c-myc proto-oncogene to Ig loci drive the development of human Burkitt’s lymphoma and mouse plasmacytoma.

She uses mouse models to dissect the role of the Bcl-2 protein family in regulating apoptosis, particularly during haemopoiesis. Together with her colleague, she is using this knowledge to develop more effective treatments for cancer.

Suzanne has received many awards in recognition of her work, including a L’Oréal–UNESCO Award for Women in Science in 2001. She was Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research from 1996–2009 and the first elected female President of the Australian Academy of Science from 2010–2014.