Where are they now… Jack Edwards
The Alfred Research Alliance scientific abstract awards are a firm fixture in our research week calendar each year, showcasing the range of research conducted in our precinct and includes 25 research prizes ranging from junior, mid and senior level.
We take a look back at previous winners and where they are now.
Jack Edwards, Monash University/Alfred Health, winner of two categories in 2022
Can you tell us about the research that won two awards?
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is a cancer treatment that activates our own immune system to allow it to fight the tumour and has greatly improved outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma. However, we don't understand why some patients respond to this therapy or experience severe side effects while others do not, and by studying the immune system of these patients we aim to find features these clinical outcomes to allow better treatment decisions. Our work here describes the development of experimental approaches to characterise the immune system of these patients in great detail.
What did you then go on to achieve with this research?
We have since applied this approach to a group of melanoma patients receiving treatment here at The Alfred and have found distinct immune features that associate with a good response to treatment or severe toxicity. This work is currently under review and should be published in the next few months. It could eventually lead to clinically useful biomarkers that further improve outcomes for people with melanoma and other solid cancers.
What did it mean to you to win this award?
As a junior research assistant at the time, it was both surprising and exciting to receive recognition for my work, and it gave me confidence to continue sharing my work both within and beyond The Alfred.
What is your current job title/role?
I'm now nearing completion of my PhD, which includes and extends upon this work. I also still do some work as a medical scientist processing biological samples for clinical trials run through the Radiation Oncology department, my first home at The Alfred.
What do you aspire to achieve career-wise?
I enjoy solving problems and being in science is a great way to tackle some big issues. I'd love to shift gears slightly and focus on some neglected diseases in vulnerable populations in Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
Do you think this is a great place to establish a long career in research?
Absolutely. The combination of a world-class hospital and a rich array of academic and clinical research has built a fantastic site to pursue a research career. I can only see this growing, especially with the new Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre driving some really interesting research over the coming years.
