The prize recognizes Prof Whisstock as an internationally renowned scientist with
an outstanding record of accomplishment in medical research. Additionally, the
award names Prof Whisstock as an inspiring role model and mentor, and highlights
his skill as a health communicator.
"I'm honoured and delighted to receive this award". Prof Whisstock said. "It's important to
note the hard work of my team and, by receiving this award, does exactly that. I owe
it to my fantastic team and collaborators".
Professor Whisstock, from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, has made
some exciting discoveries using synchrotron science. Synchrotrons have allowed his
group to identify the structure of important proteins, such as serpins, perforin-like
proteins and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD).
Serpins are a specialised family of proteins important in human immunity, cancer and
blood clotting. Mutations in serpins can cause protein misfolding or aggregation
leading to the development of diseases such as emphysema, liver cirrhosis and thrombosis.
Likewise perforin proteins and GAD are implicated in diseases such as type I diabetes
and schizophrenia respectively.
Identifying the structure of these important proteins, combined with understanding
their biology provides insight into how to combat human diseases. Without synchrotron
radiation, the structure of serpins, perforin and GAD may not have been discovered.
"The synchrotron provides special technology, which delivers intense radiation, improves
resolution and sharpness of images and increases throughput". Professor Whisstock said.
"Using the synchrotron we can collect data in a day, which would take months in house.
The synchrotron's high throughput provides my team with a competitive advantage." Prof
Whisstock is making the most of the Australian Synchrotron's technology. The Commonwealth
Health Minister's Award is another addition to his prestigious trophy collection, which
includes 2008 ARC Federation Fellowship, 2007 NHMRC Principal Research Fellowship and the
2006 Science Minister's Prize for Life Scientist of the Year.
