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Professor Khachigian and his 15-strong team in the Transcription and Gene Targeting Laboratory are hoping to develop novel treatments for arterial diseases, including several aggressive cancers, based on innovative ways for identifying genes that damage blood vessels.

"I think that one of our strengths is our ability to translate fundamental observations into potential therapeutic strategies," said Professor Khachigian. "We like to think of inventive ways to interfere with key molecules and the cellular events that would otherwise lead to the manifestation of disease."

Their most recent discovery is of molecular tools that block the growth of aggressive melanoma in mice.

In accepting the prize, Professor Khachigian called for increased funding for health and medical research by Government in its new term - an area, which he claims, received scant attention in the recent federal election campaign. "Otherwise we risk losing the opportunity of capturing and building upon the people, project and infrastructure investments already made," he said. "Our competitive position as an international player in research is squarely dependent on adequate government funding."

"Fundamental understanding is critical to any area of research, which is why we need to support curiosity-driven research," said Professor Khachigian.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Wainwright, and Professor Michelle Haber, Director of the Children's Cancer Institute Australia applauded Professor Khachigian's impressive body of research. He was presented the Award by the editor of Australasian Science Guy Nolch.

Last year, another UNSW academic, Emeritus Scientia Professor Mark Rowe, was presented with the prize for his work as a sensory neuroscientist.

Next month Professor Khachigian will be awarded his Doctor of Science (Research), his third degree over 23 years from UNSW.

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