Media Releases

Group head receives medal for work on global killer

This past month, the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand recognised Professor Warwick Britton for his research on the Immunology of Tuberculosis (TB) and Leprosy. 

The Society presented Professor Britton, who is Head of the Mycobacterial group at the Centenary, with the Wunderley Medal and the honour of presenting the Wunderley Oration.  

The Wonderely Oration is a senior award given at the Thoracic Society’s annual meeting on aspects of respiratory medicine or general health issues.  The award honours the memory of Sir Harry Wunderly (1982-1971), a pioneer respiratory physician researcher and administrator and the first Director General of Tuberculosis in Australia. 

TB is a global pandemic which kills almost 2 million people each year.  One third of the world’s population, or 2 billion people, are infected with the disease.   Professor Britton’s presentation focused on how to translate research on TB into improved control of the disease, leading to better outcomes for the community.

Executive Director of the Centenary Institute Professor Mathew Vadas says, “As Australasia’s largest TB research facility, the Centenary Institute is proud to be leading the fight against this terrible disease.   Professor Britton’s outstanding work in the field is a testament to the talent and dedication that Centenary scientists exude in eradicating this global killer.”