Last week, we bid farewell to our Acting Director, Professor Richard Lake. Prof Lake is returning to the UK, but will still be involved with NCARD from a distance.

Prof Lake first came to Perth over 27 years ago from the UK to join the Translational Tumour Immunology Group (TIG) at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital by invitation of Professor Bruce Robinson. Richard co-founded NCARD in 2007, and since then has been an integral part of our leadership.

In Richard’s time with us, he has relentlessly driven research in asbestos-related cancer tumour immunology and treatment. As a result, he has published many influential papers – his publication Advances in Malignant Mesothelioma in the New England Journal of Medicine is the most highly cited review of the disease. He has won multiple awards for his research, most recently the Eric G. Saint Award in July. In addition to his research, Richard has acted as a mentor to many researchers and students working with him.

We held a morning tea on Thursday to say goodbye. Head of School Geoff Stewart and Prof Bruce Robinson both said a few words, and our program manager Tanya Ward presented him with a lovely signed card and a gift. Richard then gave a short and sweet speech for his last in Perth.

We wish Richard the best of luck in the next stage of his life. Thank you for all you’ve contributed to NCARD!