Canadian researcher Dr John Dick to receive AACR award

Philadelphia, PA – Canadian researcher Dr John E Dick, Canada research chair in stem cell biology, division of cellular and molecular biology at the Toronto General Research Institute/University Health Network / Princess Margaret Hospital/OCI, will be among the recipients of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual awards at its 2008 Annual Meeting in San Diego on April 12-16.

The AACR is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization representing cancer scientists from the United States and nearly 70 other countries, and its awards honour outstanding accomplishments in basic cancer research, clinical care, therapeutics and prevention. Each recipient presents an educational lecture at the annual meeting.

Dr Dick is the recipient of the 48th Annual AACR-GHA Clowes Memorial Award for his innovative contributions to uncovering the biological origins and development of human leukemia. His work has provided a new understanding of leukemia pathogenesis and has suggested new insights into anti-neoplastic therapies for treatment of the disease. The AACR and Eli Lilly established this award in 1961 to honor Dr GHA Clowes, a founding member of AACR and a research director at Eli Lilly. The oldest award giving by AACR, the honour recognizes an individual with outstanding recent accomplishments in basic cancer research. Dr Dick’s award lecture will take place on Tuesday, April 15th at 8 am. He will also speak at the Eli Lilly and company headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana later this year.

“The AACR awards program recognizes the finest and most promising investigators in all fields of cancer research,” said Dr Margaret Foti AACR’s CEO. “During our annual meeting, AACR is pleased to honor the dedication and work of such influential researchers and advocates who continue to shape the future of cancer research.”