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Professor David Thomas received the major prize at the NSW Premier’s Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research. UNSW Associate Professor Mei Ling Yap was also recognised, as the winner of the Improving Equitable Outcomes Award.

Professor David Thomas, Director of the Centre of Molecular Oncology at UNSW Sydney, has been awarded NSW’s highest accolade for cancer research.

Nominated by peers, the recognises Prof. Thomas’ groundbreaking work and leadership in genomic cancer medicine. 

Prof. Thomas, who is also the Head of Genomic Cancer Medicine at the Garvan Institute and founder of not-for-profit genomics organisation Omico, has become a distinguished figure in oncology. His career has focused on sarcoma research, genomics and the pioneering integration of precision oncology as routine care across Australia.

“Receiving this award is a great honour and also recognises the importance of precision oncology as an indispensable tool in our fight against cancer,” he said. 

Prof. Thomas said that despite Australia being a world leader in cancer research and care, there is inequity in treatment, costs and survival for people diagnosed with rare cancers. His vision is for all patients to have access to precision oncology, to improve outcomes and save lives. 

“Genomics and precision oncology is no longer a distant vision. It’s a mature, evidence-based approach here and now, that is evolving the way we can assess and treat cancers,” he said. 

“Our challenge is to ensure every Australian patient, wherever they are, can benefit from this tailored approach.

“NSW provides an outstanding environment for this endeavour, with its world-class research infrastructure, commitment to innovation, and vibrant clinical community. I congratulate the state government for recognising this approach not only saves lives, it also creates jobs, forms healthcare networks and supports economic growth.” 

UNSW’s Associate Professor Mei Ling Yap was also recognised on the night as the Improving Equitable Outcomes Award winner. She is a radiation oncologist and researcher at The George Institute for Global Health, the Ingham Institute at UNSW and South Western Sydney Local Health District. 

Her research highlights that only one in three people diagnosed with cancer in NSW receive radiation therapy, often due to barriers such as distance to treatment centres, which creates inequalities in care access. 

“I’ve worked for more than 15 years as a radiation oncologist in South-Western Sydney. I’m inspired by the people I see every day who are affected by cancer, their families and communities,” A/Prof. Yap said.

“They have made me realise that while amazing breakthroughs in cancer research have led to improvement in outcomes over the last few decades, there is still a huge need to ensure that every person diagnosed with cancer has equitable access to care.

“I would like to thank Cancer Institute NSW for recognising the importance of research in this area to improve outcomes for priority populations. This motivates our research teams from CCORE, The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, South-West Sydney Clinical School and the George Institute for Global Health to continue to work harder towards the goal of equitable outcomes in cancer, both locally in NSW, and globally.”

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs congratulated all the winners. He said the Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year Award was testament to Prof. Thomas’ decades of work.

“The impact of Professor Thomas’ work cannot be understated. His efforts and dedication have meant thousands of people with cancer are having their illness detected earlier, and treated more effectively, to help improve their lives and those of their families,” he said. 

“His vision is to achieve equitable and affordable access to precision oncology for all Australians diagnosed with cancer is commendable, and we’re very proud to see him recognised with this award and the significant impact his research is having on society.

“We also celebrate Associate Professor Mei Ling Yap for her achievement. We are inspired by her commitment to improving access to radiation therapy for people with cancer around the world.”

UNSW Dean of Medicine & Health Professor Cheryl Jones said she was proud to work with two remarkable researchers. 

“David and Mei both demonstrate the importance of molecular medicine in personalising innovative cancer treatment. Their groundbreaking research will ensure state-of-the-art cancer treatment is available to all,” she said.   

“I congratulate them on their outstanding efforts and the recognition that comes with these awards.”  

The Zero Childhood Cancer Program Program (clinical lead, UNSW Conjoint Professor David Ziegler) was also recognised as the winner of the 2024 Cancer Control Innovation Award. The program brings together clinicians from child cancer treatment centres across the country and leading national research partners. It is delivering Australia’s first precision medicine program for children with cancer.   

UNSW academics have been awarded NSW’s Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year twice before – Professor Michelle Haber AM in 2014 and Professor Glenn Marshall in 2019.