Congratulations to Professor Steve Jackson on winning the Royal Society Mullard Award 2020.
Steve is to receive the Mullard Award for his pioneering research on DNA repair mechanisms and synthetic lethality that led to the discovery of olaparib, which has reached blockbuster status for the treatment of ovarian and breast cancers.
Speaking of the Award, Steve said: "It is a great honour to receive the Royal Society Mullard Award in recognition of how my research has helped pave the way for new cancer therapies."
"This achievement has, of course, only been possible because of the dedication and efforts of a great many people who have worked to translate concepts and findings arising from fundamental discoveries made in my academic group through drug discovery and drug development."
The Royal Society Mullard Award was provided by a gift to the Society by the Board of Directors of Mullard Ltd. It is awarded to those who have an outstanding academic record in any area of natural science, engineering or technology and whose work is currently making or has the prospect to make a contribution to national prosperity in the United Kingdom. The award includes a silver gilt medal, a travel grant of £1,500 and a gift of £2,000.
"What differentiates the Royal Society Mullard Award from most other scientific awards," said Steve, "is that it specifically recognises efforts that have or may enhance national prosperity."
"In my case, it recognises how my fundamental scientific research led me to establish successful biotechnology companies, and how one of these, KuDOS Pharmaceuticals, produced a blockbuster medicine now co-marketed by a UK-based pharmaceutical company [...] and also nurtured further investment in DNA repair programmes in this company and others, many of which are UK based. I hope that this recognition will help myself and others spearhead further prosperity-enhancing activities."
Steve's achievement will be celebrated at the Royal Society's Anniversary Day on 30th November 2020.