Conducting basic research in close proximity to clinicians provides my group with an opportunity to assess our scientific curiosity against the most urgent needs of cancer patients.

Following from my PhD at the Swiss Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zürich, Switzerland, I received postdoctoral training at the Merck Sharp Dohme Research Laboratories in Pennsylvania in the area of bone biology.

With the aim of extending my studies into the molecular mechanisms that underpin the growth of cancer cells I joined the laboratory of Prof Ashley Dunn at the Melbourne-Parkville Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR).

In 1996 I returned to Switzerland, taking a position with Novartis as the Deputy Head for Bone Biology Research Department. I was invited back to LICR in 1998 as Group Leader and was appointed Acting Director in 2009.

In 2012 I moved to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, where I continued to explore state-of-the-art molecular biology and genetic tools to understand mechanism that corrupt the normal renewal of the lining of the bowel and stomach and result in the formation of tumours. Since joining ONJCRI in late 2014, my laboratory team is exploring novel strategies to target these mechanisms and develop new therapies and treatments for gastrointestinal cancers for the benefit of cancer patients.

Education

Master of Science, Eidgenösische Technische Hochschule (ETH), Zürich, Switzerland

PhD, ETH, Zürich & University Hospital of Zürich, Switzerland

Current Appointments

Director, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute

Head, Cancer and Inflammation Program and Laboratory

Head, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University

Member, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research

NHMRC Principal Research Fellow