Jane Visvader facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jane Visvader
FRS FAA FAHMS
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| Alma mater | University of Adelaide |
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| Institutions | Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Salk Institute |
Jane Visvader is an Australian scientist who is a leading expert in breast cancer research. She works at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, where she is the co-leader of the Breast Cancer Laboratory along with scientist Geoff Lindeman. Her work helps us understand how breast cancer starts and how to fight it.
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Education and Early Career
Jane Visvader earned her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Adelaide. For her project, she studied tiny infectious particles called viroids that affect citrus plants. Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within living things.
After finishing her PhD, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher, which is an advanced research position for scientists who have just completed their doctorate. She worked at the famous Salk Institute in San Diego, USA, and later at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) in Australia. She also spent time researching at the Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston before coming back to Australia in 1997. Upon her return, she started the Breast Cancer Laboratory at WEHI.
Groundbreaking Breast Cancer Research
Dr. Visvader's research focuses on a big question in cancer science: where do cancers come from? She studies the role of stem cells in the body. Stem cells are special cells that can develop into many different types of cells.
She believes that understanding these cells is a key to unlocking the secrets of breast cancer. Her work has helped identify the specific cells where breast cancer can begin. This is a huge step toward finding new ways to prevent and treat the disease.
Dr. Visvader is also a member of several important scientific groups. In 2012, she was elected to the Australian Academy of Sciences. She also serves on the Cancer Council Victoria's Medical & Scientific Committee, helping to guide cancer research and support in her state.
Discoveries and Patents
A patent is a special right given to an inventor for a new invention. It means no one else can make or sell their invention for a certain number of years. Dr. Visvader is listed as an inventor on five patents. These patents are for her discoveries in cancer research, including methods for finding and studying specific cells related to cancer.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Visvader has received many awards for her important contributions to science. These awards recognize her excellence in research and her dedication to fighting breast cancer.
- 2008: GlaxoSmithKline Award for Research Excellence (shared with Geoff Lindeman)
- 2012: Elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science
- 2014: Royal Society of Victoria Research Medal for excellence in medical sciences
- 2016: National Health and Medical Research Council Elizabeth Blackburn Fellowship
- 2016: Lemberg Medal from the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- 2016: Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences
- 2017: Victoria Prize for Science & Innovation (shared with Geoff Lindeman)
- 2020: Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), a high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth
- 2022: Ziskin Prize from Stand Up to Cancer (shared award)
- 2022: Fellow of the American Society of Cancer Research (AACR) Academy
- 2024: Australia Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Outstanding Female Researcher Medal
- 2024: The Buchanan Medal for major contributions to medical sciences (shared with Geoff Lindeman)
- 2025: Ruby Payne-Scott Medal and Lecture for her amazing work in breast cancer research
