KINGSTON, ON, May 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Queen's University scientist Dr Andrew Craig is the 2011 recipient of the Canadian Cancer Society Young Investigator Award, which is given to a promising young investigator who has made outstanding contributions to biomedical research.
"Although early in his career, Dr Craig is already making impressive strides in the fight against cancer by tackling one of cancer's deadliest attributes — its ability to spread throughout the body. We are delighted to honour his work because it is unlocking new information that has the potential to save lives," says Dr Martin Kabat, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division.
Dr Craig is an associate professor in the department of biomedical and molecular sciences at Queen's University and is a member of cancer biology and genetics division of the Queen's Cancer Research Institute. Dr Craig was previously supported by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator award and his contributions to the field of cancer research have been outstanding in breadth, importance and distinction with over 1000 citations of his publications.
"I'm honoured by this recognition and thankful to the Canadian Cancer Society for nurturing high scientific standards in this country," says Dr Craig.
Dr Andrew Craig's research has already revealed new ways to stop the spread of cancer. He has made major contributions to understanding the underlying mechanism controlling cell migration and tissue invasion by cancer cells and tumour-associated immune cells.
Dr Craig's lab studies a family of proteins that regulate cancer cell shape and promote their ability to move through tissue barriers. This process allows tumours to spread to other areas of the body, playing a significant factor in mortality rates. One of Dr Craig's recent publications in Journal of Cell Science, an influential international cell biology journal, provided new insights into breast cancer cell invasion mechanisms and was featured on the cover of the May 2011 issue. Currently, the Craig lab is identifying and validating therapeutic targets in preclinical models of breast and lung cancer.
Dr Craig was one of three Ontario researchers to receive Awards for Excellence today. More information about the scientists and the Awards for Excellence can be found at Honouring our researchers at cancer.ca.
About the Canadian Cancer Society Young Investigator Award
The Canadian Cancer Society Young Investigator Award is given to a promising young Canadian investigator permanently residing in Canada who began their independent research career within the previous 10 years. They must be doing basic laboratory work as the principal investigator in activities conducted in Canada which are judged to be outstanding contributions to basic biomedical research and that have the potential to lead to, or have led to, better understanding of cancer, improved cancer treatments, cures or new advances in cancer control. This award comes with $1,000 for the recipient and $20,000 for their research.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. If you want to know more about our organization or if you would like information about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
Image with caption: "Dr Andrew Craig is the 2011 recipient of the Canadian Cancer Society Young Investigator Award. (CNW Group/Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120509_C5778_PHOTO_EN_13453.jpg
Media contacts:
Karen Ramlall, Manager, Research Communications, Canadian Cancer Society, National office: (416) 934-5341; [email protected]
Christine Koserski, Sr Coordinator, Public Affairs, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division: (416) 323-7030; [email protected]
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