Dr Felicity Davis wins 2019 Metcalf Prizes for Stem Cell Research
Dr Felicity Davis of Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland is investigating the secret life of mammaries: how they develop, how they change during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and how things can go wrong.
“Breast stem cells live in a world of change – from a basic mammary structure in the embryo, to rapid growth during puberty, and then drastically changing again with each pregnancy,” she says.
Dr Davis was recognised by the Foundation for her early-career leadership in stem cell research.
“We hope that supporting Felicity Davis’ work will help make a difference in this important area of women’s and children’s health,” says Dr Graeme Blackman AO, the chairman of the Foundation.
The awards are named for the late Professor Donald Metcalf AC, who, over a 50-year career, helped transform cancer treatment and transplantation medicine, paving the way for potential stem cell therapy in the treatment of many other conditions.
Associate Professor James Hudson of the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute also received an award for his studies the human heart, and how its cells have to last a lifetime without renewal. To better understand this, he has made more than 20,000 beating ‘mini-hearts’, called organoids.
More information here.
