GMR congratulates Director of Research, Professor Darrell Crawford, on receiving one of Australia’s highest honours in gastroenterology and hepatology, the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) Distinguished Researcher Prize.
The award recognises Professor Crawford’s outstanding and sustained contribution to research that has significantly advanced the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
Presented annually by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), the Distinguished Researcher Prize celebrates researchers whose work has demonstrated excellence, long-term impact and leadership in improving patient care. Recipients are selected based on the quality, influence and longevity of their research achievements, with particular emphasis on research conducted in Australia and published in leading scientific journals.
Professor Crawford received the award at Australian Gastroenterology Week in Perth on Saturday, 29 August.
GMR CEO Miriam Kent said the honour was a fitting recognition of Professor Crawford’s decades-long commitment to advancing liver research and improving outcomes for patients.
“This award reflects Professor Crawford’s exceptional contribution to medical research over many years. His dedication to medical discovery and better care for patients has not only shaped liver research in Australia but has also strengthened GMR’s reputation as a leader in medical research,” Ms Kent said.
Professor Crawford, a globally-recognised liver research expert, has dedicated his career to tackling liver disease, one of Australia’s fastest-growing health challenges. His research has contributed to a greater understanding of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer and hemochromatosis, while helping drive innovations in diagnosis, treatment and prevention including the world’s first saliva test for fatty liver disease, SAL-Check. His work in veteran health, particularly in Vietnam veterans should also be noted.
As GMR’s Director of Research, Prof Crawford has also played a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of researchers, fostering national and international collaborations including the University of Queensland and Griffith University, and building GMR’s reputation for research excellence.
Professor Crawford said he was honoured to receive the recognition from his peers.
“It is a privilege to receive this award from GESA. Research is always a team effort, and I have been fortunate to work alongside outstanding colleagues, collaborators and students throughout my career as well as my own mentor, Prof June Halliday. Together, we share the goal of improving the lives of people affected by liver and gastrointestinal disease through research that improves outcomes for many, many people.”
The award highlights Professor Crawford’s enduring impact on Australian medical research and reinforces GMR’s commitment to advancing discoveries that improve the health and wellbeing of communities across Australia.
