Prof. Ian Fraser of the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia and the joint winner of the Hamdan International Prize with the late Dr. Jian Zhou, expressed his appreciation and happiness for receiving the Grand Hamdan International Award for the twelfth session (2021-2022) on the subject of infectious diseases.
Prof. Ian said, “This honor which recognizes research undertaken by myself and by my late colleague Dr. Jian Zhou has enabled the production of vaccines now available to prevent cervical cancer and other Human Papilloma virus-related disease. I thank the judging panel for their foresight and for timing this Award to coincide with the World Health Organization’s current global campaign to eradicate cervical cancer by the end of this century. The Award will help raise awareness of the need to take action now against cervical cancer through vaccination and screening with the aim of preventing the 300,000 deaths occurring globally each year from this disease.”
Dr. Xiao Yi Sun, wife of the late Dr. Jian Zhou said, “It is an honor to receive this Award on Jian’s behalf. Recognition at this level acknowledges his work. It also allows his legacy to live on inspiring future generation of scientists. Jian’s research work with human papillomavirus commenced in 1984. He was the first to create the HPV virus-like particles, and it was this remarkable achievement which led to the development of the cervical cancer vaccine in 1991.
He continued his research until 1999 when sadly he passed away at only 42. The Sheikh Hamdan Award will ensure his foundation continues his important legacy. On behalf of my late husband, I offer my warmest thanks to the Award committee and the Judging Panel.”
For his part, His Excellency Abdullah bin Souqat, Executive Director of the Hamdan Medical Award, offered his sincere congratulations to the winners, and stressed that the Award will always work to achieve the vision of its Founder, the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in honoring outstanding achievements in the medical sector.
It is worth noting that the Award will hold a ceremony honoring the winners of the 12th term (2021-2022) on November 23rd at the Museum of the Future - Dubai, in the presence of Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
