The University of Queensland has recognised the outstanding contribution to society of medical researcher and philanthropist Ian Frazer AC by renaming the UQ Diamantina Institute in his honour.
Now an Emeritus Professor at the University after stepping down from his academic appointment, the Scottish-born Australian researcher has begun a transition to retirement.
Together with his former research partner, the late Dr Jian Zhou, Emeritus Professor Frazer co-invented a world-first HPV vaccine which has already protected millions of women from cervical cancer.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said it was a privilege to have one of the pre-eminent medical scientists of our time on staff at UQ for more than three decades.
“Ian’s contribution, and that of his late research partner Dr Zhou, have exemplified what we should all strive for in academia,” Professor Terry said.
“Their work has truly made a difference, with the very real possibility that in the future, deaths from cervical cancer will be almost unheard of.
“Both Ian and Dr Zhou’s family have campaigned to have the vaccine rolled out equitably around the world and they are also deeply committed to giving back to their communities.”
