Previous Littlejohn Medalists

Overview

Year of Award	Medal and Citation
2026	Professors Phil Darcy and Paul Beavis have made internationally recognised contributions to cancer immunotherapy through pioneering advances in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for solid tumours. Through landmark publications in Nature and Nature Communications, they developed innovative gene-engineering approaches that significantly improve CAR T-cell persistence, metabolic fitness and anti-tumour activity. Their discoveries include a novel CRISPR-based platform enabling tumour-targeted cytokine delivery and the identification of FOXO1 as a key regulator of CAR T-cell function. These breakthroughs have attracted international recognition, substantial citations, and independent commentary in leading journals. Their research has generated multiple patents, secured major national and international funding, and established pathways for first-in-human clinical trials. By transforming understanding of CAR T-cell biology and developing new strategies for treating difficult-to-treat cancers, Darcy and Beavis have exemplified research excellence with significant clinical and translational impact.
2025	Associate Professor Garron Dodd was recognised for his landmark Nature publication uncovering “neurofibrosis” as a novel driver of obesity and type 2 diabetes. His discovery has opened new avenues for therapeutic development, led to the creation of a spin-out company, and attracted major international recognition, including the 2025 Helmholtz Diabetes Researcher of the Year award. Associate Professor Vihandha Wickramasinghe was recognised for his pioneering research in RNA biology, including two landmark publications in Nature and Molecular Cell. His discoveries have created new opportunities for cancer therapies and led to the formation of biotech company exteRNA, translating his findings into first-in-class treatments.

Year of Award

Medal and Citation

2026

Professors Phil Darcy and Paul Beavis have made internationally recognised contributions to cancer immunotherapy through pioneering advances in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for solid tumours. Through landmark publications in Nature and Nature Communications, they developed innovative gene-engineering approaches that significantly improve CAR T-cell persistence, metabolic fitness and anti-tumour activity. Their discoveries include a novel CRISPR-based platform enabling tumour-targeted cytokine delivery and the identification of FOXO1 as a key regulator of CAR T-cell function. These breakthroughs have attracted international recognition, substantial citations, and independent commentary in leading journals. Their research has generated multiple patents, secured major national and international funding, and established pathways for first-in-human clinical trials. By transforming understanding of CAR T-cell biology and developing new strategies for treating difficult-to-treat cancers, Darcy and Beavis have exemplified research excellence with significant clinical and translational impact.

2025

Associate Professor Garron Dodd was recognised for his landmark Nature publication uncovering “neurofibrosis” as a novel driver of obesity and type 2 diabetes. His discovery has opened new avenues for therapeutic development, led to the creation of a spin-out company, and attracted major international recognition, including the 2025 Helmholtz Diabetes Researcher of the Year award.

Associate Professor Vihandha Wickramasinghe was recognised for his pioneering research in RNA biology, including two landmark publications in Nature and Molecular Cell. His discoveries have created new opportunities for cancer therapies and led to the formation of biotech company exteRNA, translating his findings into first-in-class treatments.