A Mackay gastroenterologist has been recognised on the world stage for his significant research in the field of coeliac disease.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Interim Chief Executive Dr Charles Pain congratulated Dr Robert Anderson receiving the 2023 Global Coeliac Disease Research Prize from the Coeliac Disease Foundation.
“It is indeed a high honour for Dr Anderson to win the international $25,000 Prize for Excellence in Coeliac Disease Research,” Dr Pain said.
“This recognises ‘an investigator whose research has made a significant impact on clinical, translational, or transformative research in coeliac disease’.
“The work that Dr Anderson has been undertaking over a number of years is changing the way that coeliac disease is diagnosed and treated, and it is a significant achievement for an Australian to receive this honour.
“Mackay HHS and the entire region is extremely fortunate to have a gastroenterologist of Dr Anderson’s calibre providing treatment here through our Specialists Outpatients Department.”
Dr Anderson collected his prize in person at an event in Chicago on May 9 ahead of International Coeliac Day which is celebrated on May 16 each year.
“The award I have received for excellence in coeliac disease research reflects how much Australians can contribute to global research when their programs are well resourced and focus on patient needs and good science,” Dr Anderson said.
“I have been very fortunate as a clinician scientist and later in drug development to have my research supported by public and commercial backers.
“Patients are my inspiration for discovery, and I can see great potential for Mackay Base Hospital to stimulate impactful patient-based research.”
Dr Anderson worked with a team of researchers based at Oxford University in the UK to determine the fragment, or T cells, that trigger coeliac disease.
As a co-director of Novoviah Pharmaceuticals in Brisbane, Dr Anderson is also working on the development of a simple blood test to support diagnosis of coeliac disease without the need for invasive intestinal biopsies.
If he can develop a very targeted response to coeliac disease, it will assist in treatment strategies for other autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Dr Anderson is also the current president of the International Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease, and the first Australian to hold the position.
Dr Robert Anderson received the 2023 Global Coeliac Disease Research Prize in Chicago last month. Photo supplied
