November 10, 2022

Anatoly Rozenfeld awarded NSW Premier’s Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year

Physicist recognised for dedication to improving radiation treatments for cancer

University of Wollongong (UOW) researcher Distinguished Professor Anatoly Rozenfeld was today (Wednesday 9 November, 2022) named Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year at the 2022 NSW Premier’s Research Awards, hosted by the Cancer Institute NSW.

The annual award recognises an individual who has made an active, outstanding, sustained contribution to cancer research in NSW; has a record of substantive and noteworthy publications; and has supported, developed and mentored cancer researchers.

Professor Rozenfeld is the Director and founder of Centre for Medical Radiation Physics and is world renowned for his research work on semiconductor radiation detectors and their application in radiation therapy, radiation protection, nuclear medicine and space sciences.

Professor Rozenfeld’s career began in Ukraine, applying his knowledge of radiation physics at Chernobyl in the years following the nuclear disaster. His decision to channel his knowledge of nuclear physics to help improve cancer treatment was a very personal one, as his mother died of a brain tumour when he was just ten years old.

“She was 34 at the time and she was a medical doctor herself. In the 1960s in Ukraine there was no advanced radiation imaging for cancer diagnostic and medical treatment for cancer,” Professor Rozenfeld said.

“I’ve dedicated my life to ensuring no one else has to suffer like my mother and I feel incredibly honoured and privileged to have been recognised by the cancer community with this award.”

Professor David Currow, UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Health and Sustainable Futures) and Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), said the award is well-deserved recognition of Professor Rozenfeld’s dedication to improving radiation treatments for cancer.

“Over the course of his distinguished career, Professor Rozenfeld’s work continues to help to change the outlook for people diagnosed with cancer. His leadership of Centre for Medical Radiation Physics has led to a number of significant research breakthroughs that are improving clinical care on a daily basis around the world.”

Professor Rozenfeld has published more than 400 articles, five book chapters, holds 19 granted patents, has attracted more than $17M competitive grants, and also delivered many keynotes, invited talks and seminars around the world.

He is recipient of 2014 UOW Vice Chancellors Excellence Awards for Researcher of the Year and Outstanding Achievements in Research Commercialisation.