The University of Newcastle’s Laureate Professor Rob Sanson-Fisher has won the Cancer Institute NSW Make a Difference 2012 award for his cancer prevention work with disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, including reducing smoking among pregnant Aboriginal women.
Professor Sanson-Fisher received the award from the NSW Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research Jillian Skinner, at the Institute’s Research Awards Evening on Friday.
The Make a Difference award recognises a researcher who has made a significant difference to cancer care or research practice. Their contributions must have made a lasting impact on the cancer field and demonstrated sustained progress against cancer.
Director of the University’s Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Professor Sanson-Fisher’s career has focused on public health, particularly behavioural science. He has pioneered research into the psycho-social impact of cancer and been instrumental in keeping a focus on Indigenous health issues at the University of Newcastle in both research, and teaching and learning.
In accepting the award, Professor Sanson-Fisher paid tribute to his colleagues at the University.
“In my career at the University, I have witnessed enormous growth in the field of medicine and been privileged to work with talented people in the School of Medicine and Public Health, one of the best of its kind in the world,” he said.
“I am grateful for the combined efforts of the research groups I have worked with. It would have been very difficult to achieve what I have without these collaborations, support from the University, HMRI and the community.”
Professor Sanson-Fisher holds the University of Newcastle’s highest honour – the title of Laureate Professor – bestowed in 2008 in recognition of his outstanding international reputation for high impact, high quality research.
In 2009, Professor Sanson-Fisher was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to improving public health outcomes.
Laureate Professor Rob Sanson-Fisher and researchers at the Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour work in collaboration with the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s (HMRI) Public Health Program and Hunter New England Population Health. HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and the community.
