Research

The NCARD Research Team

The NCARD research team consists of clinicians, scientists and students with a passion for asbestos-related disease research. NCARD capitalises on the unique clinical opportunities in Australia to make an impact on asbestos related cancers.

  • NCARD is an Australian NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence
  • Internationally recognised leaders in mesothelioma research
  • Has a multidisciplinary ‘bench to beside’ focus
  • Prioritises consumer engagement
  • Actively engages in collaboration.

The History of NCARD

Our research into asbestos-related diseases, specifically mesothelioma, originated in mid-1984.  Over the past three decades, our focus has spread from tumour immunology to include many other aspects of the biology of human disease.

Research Areas

Our Researchers

More than 35 people make up the NCARD research team including; senior scientists, research assistants, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD and Honours students.

PROF ANNA NOWAK

DIRECTOR, NCARD

Professor Anna Nowak is the Director of NCARD, a Medical Oncologist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and a Professor within the School of Medicine at The University of Western Australia.

PROF RICHARD LAKE

SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW

Professor Richard Lake is a molecular immunologist with a distinguished track record in asbestos related cancer, whose work in mesothelioma has received national and international recognition.

PROF JENETTE CREANEY

SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW

Professor Creaney is the Head of the Biomarkers and Discovery unit. The group is investigating biomarkers for improved diagnosis and monitoring of patients with mesothelioma and also examining the use of biomarkers for screening asbestos-exposed individuals for early detection of mesothelioma.

PROF BRUCE ROBINSON

PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE

Professor Bruce Robinson is a respiratory physician and scientist, internationally recognised for his leading research into cancer immunology and asbestos related cancer over nearly four decades.

DR JONATHAN CHEE

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Jon graduated with a BSc (Hons) from the University of Melbourne. He undertook his PhD in immunology at the St Vincent’s Institute (Melbourne) where he studied the development of islet-specific immune cells in autoimmune diabetes.

DR SCOTT FISHER

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Scott grew up in Karratha, Western Australia and graduated from Curtin University with a BSc (Hons) before receiving his PhD from the University of Western Australia.

DR ALISTAIR COOK

RESEARCH FELLOW

Originally from Aberdeen in Scotland, Alistair completed his PhD in stem cell biology at the University of Edinburgh in 2010.

A/PROF ALEC REDWOOD

RESEARCH FELLOW

Alec grew up in Thornlie, Western Australia and graduated from Curtin University with a BSc (Distinction) and First Class Honours. He received his PhD from Curtin University and continued his postdoctoral training at the University of Western Australia.

Male researcher

DR IAN DICK

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Ian completed a BSc in biochemistry at the University of Western Australia. He then worked as a Laboratory Assistant at Murdoch University and then as a Research Assistant in Bone and Mineral Research at the University of Western Australia.

DR KOFI STEVENS

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Kofi graduated with a BSc(Hons) in Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology from Curtin University. He then undertook a PhD at Curtin University in cell biology where he studied how cells respond to stress.

DR TRACY HOANG

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Tracy graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology before completing a PhD in Brain Tumour Research at The University of Western Australia.

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