The milestone accolade of Lifetime Honorary Fellow has been awarded to VC Professorial Research Fellow, David Broadhurst, Director of the Centre for Integrative Metabolomics & Computational Biology.
The award was recently announced by the International Metabolomics Society at their annual conference in Valencia, Spain. The Society awards two Lifetime Honorary Fellows per year based on having made pioneering and sustained contributions to the Society.
Prof David Broadhurst was recognised for his pioneering work in developing analytical and computational methodology in the field of clinical metabolomics and for his many contributions to the Society, including serving on the Board of Directors.
His ground-breaking research sits at the interface between analytical chemistry, data science and artificial intelligence. His work has been pivotal in moving metabolomics to the forefront of the precision medicine revolution.
David said he felt greatly honoured to receive the award.
"This award helps to place both ECU and Australia on the map in recognition of the world class research being done here," he said.
Prof Roy Goodacre, Editor-in-Chief of the Springer journal Metabolomics and Director of Centre for Metabolomics Research, University of Liverpool, congratulated Prof Broadhurst on his achievement.
“I have known David for over 25 years, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching his career progress on a very impressive upward trajectory. He is a phenomenal researcher, and this award is very much deserved. David is one of very few individuals who have made a big positive difference to the field of metabolomics. Congratulations on your award David!”
Associate Prof Jessica Laskey-Su, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital and President of the Metabolomics Society, also spoke about David at the recent conference.
"We are so thrilled to have David Broadhurst nominated as an honorary fellow to the Metabolomics Society. Throughout the last 20 years, David has had a tremendous impact on the field of metabolomics through establishing and promoting best practices for statistical rigor, experimental design, quality control, and clinical metabolomics methodology. His continued work sets the standard for us all."
Clinical metabolomics involves studying the dynamics of the many thousands of low molecular weight biochemicals (metabolites) found in human biofluids and tissue.
Historically, small numbers of metabolites have been used to diagnose metabolic diseases. However, current technologies go way beyond the scope of classical clinical chemistry allowing researchers to map complex biochemical fingerprints to the progression of many complex and chronic diseases.
Underpinning the success of these technologies is a host of analytical methodologies converting chemical signatures into enormous data matrices.
More information about the award can be read on the Metabolomics Society website.
