Barry Preston Award
Established Researcher Award
The Barry Preston Award recognises an outstanding leader in the matrix biology field distinguished by a sustained record of achievement, commitment to mentoring junior researchers and exceptional communication skills.
This award is named after Barry Preston who made contributions to the understanding of the transport and properties of extracellular matrix molecules. He was an enthusiastic teacher and mentor to younger researchers. He established the Connective Tissue Society of Australia and New Zealand, as MBSANZ was then known, in 1975 and was the inaugural president.
Eligibility requirements
Any Australian or New Zealand citizen in the matrix biology field currently at a national or international research institution who exemplifies the same passion for discovery and mentorship that Barry typified is eligible to be nominated. The awardee must be available to deliver a plenary lecture at the society conference on their research.
Application Requirements
A call for nominations for this award will occur prior to a society meeting. Current members of the Society may nominate candidates for this award by providing a supporting statement and brief CV for the nominee. The awardee will deliver a plenary lecture at the society conference on their research.
Award review committee
The award is determined by the selection committee chaired by the President.
2024 Awardee
Associate Professor Guy Lyons is Head of the Cancer Progression Laboratory at the Centenary Institute in Sydney.
His team's research explores how gene mutations enable interactions between cancer cells, driving cancer growth in the tissues of the skin, cornea, head and neck. The extracellular matrix is an integral part of all tissues, and also forms a barrier that prevents the spread of cancer. His work aims to develop innovative therapies that disrupt the interactions that enable cancer cells to grow and spread through the extracellular matrix.