Rate Professor Mark Dawson

Professional Summary: Professor Mark Dawson

Professor Mark Dawson is a distinguished clinician-scientist and academic leader at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a global reputation in the field of hematology and cancer epigenetics. His work bridges fundamental research with clinical application, focusing on innovative treatments for blood cancers.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Dawson holds the following qualifications:

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) – University of Melbourne
• PhD in Molecular Medicine – University of Melbourne
• Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
• Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (FRCPA)

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Dawson’s research primarily focuses on:

• Epigenetic regulation in cancer, particularly hematological malignancies such as leukemia
• Development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic modifiers
• Translational research to improve outcomes for patients with blood cancers

Career History and Appointments

Professor Dawson has held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career:

• Associate Director for Research Translation, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne
• Professor of Medicine and Program Head, University of Melbourne
• Consultant Hematologist, Royal Melbourne Hospital
• Former Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Cambridge, UK (under Professor Tony Kouzarides)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Dawson has been recognized with several notable accolades for his contributions to medical research:

• Elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (2018)
• Prime Minister’s Prize for Science – Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year (2020)
• McCulloch & Till Award, International Society for Experimental Hematology (2019)
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) International Research Scholar (2017)

Key Publications

Professor Dawson has authored numerous high-impact publications in leading scientific journals. A selection of his key works includes:

• Dawson, M.A., et al. 'Inhibition of BET recruitment to chromatin as an effective treatment for MLL-fusion leukaemia.' Nature, 2011.
• Dawson, M.A., et al. 'Recurrent mutations, including NPM1c, activate a BRD4-dependent core transcriptional program in acute myeloid leukemia.' Leukemia, 2014.
• Dawson, M.A., Kouzarides, T. 'Cancer epigenetics: from mechanism to therapy.' Cell, 2012.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Dawson is widely regarded as a pioneer in cancer epigenetics, particularly for his groundbreaking work on BET inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for leukemia. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer and has directly influenced the development of clinical trials for novel cancer therapies. His contributions have positioned him as a leader in translational medicine, with a lasting impact on both scientific discovery and patient care.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Dawson is actively involved in the broader scientific community through:

• Regular keynote lectures at international conferences on hematology and cancer research
• Membership in advisory committees for national and international research bodies
• Editorial board contributions to leading journals in oncology and epigenetics