QIMR Berghofer researcher acknowledged for global impact on skin cancer prevention

25 May 2020

QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Senior Scientist Professor Adele Green AC has been elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in recognition of her international leadership in the epidemiology of melanoma and skin cancer.

Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science are among the nation’s most distinguished scientists and are elected by their peers for ground-breaking research and contributions that have had clear impact.

Professor Green’s research included a five-year randomised controlled trial of regular sunscreen use among the Nambour community on the Sunshine Coast in the 1990s. Its findings have provided the scientific basis for clinical and public health advice around the world about the role of sunscreen application in skin cancer prevention.

The Australian Academy of Science also commended Professor Green for her other significant contributions to science, including insights into risk factors for ovarian cancer and for some of the earliest studies of cancer in Indigenous Australians. She has also trained and mentored a generation of epidemiologists and clinician scientists.

Professor Green, who heads QIMR Berghofer’s Cancer and Population Studies group, said she was honoured to join the ranks of Australia’s top scientists.

“It’s a great privilege to join this fellowship of distinguished scientists and I am delighted that preventive medical research is being recognised in this way,” Professor Green said.

“My goal is to have prevention of major diseases like cancer considered as important as finding cures. Preventive medicine empowers people, and saves lives and money.

“The Academy also champions diversity and as a woman entering its ranks, I hope more and more young women will see science as a career that can be thrilling and fulfilling.”

QIMR Berghofer Director and CEO, Professor Fabienne Mackay, said Professor Green’s election to the Australian Academy of Science was well deserved.

“Professor Green has been a trail blazer in skin cancer prevention and it’s wonderful to see her decades of work recognised by her peers,” Professor Mackay said.

“We are incredibly proud that one of our Senior Scientists and leaders at the Institute has helped improve the health outcomes of millions of people around the world who are now protecting themselves from skin cancer by applying sunscreen.”

Australian Academy of Science President, Professor John Shine AC, congratulated the 24 new Fellows for making significant and lasting impacts in their scientific disciplines.

“These scientists were elected by their Academy peers following a rigorous evaluation process, and women make up 42 per cent of this year’s new Fellows,” said Professor Shine.

“The number of women in this year’s elected Fellows reflects the Academy’s work to apply best practice in our nomination and election processes.

“We encourage the STEM sector to continue to nurture diversity in all its forms, so that the STEM workforce reflects the composition of our society.”