The Year That Made Me: Professor John Rasko

Talking with broadcaster Julian Morrow, Professor Rasko chose to speak about 1983 as a pivotal year in his life. He also conversed more generally about his upbringing, family history, education, and current gene and cell therapy research.

The year 1983 was special said Professor Rasko as it marked the point of his life where he was bitten by the research bug while undertaking a Bachelor of Science (Medicine).

“This was a fantastic time where I had my first real freedom to be able to pursue my own ideas in the laboratory,” said Professor Rasko.

“I experienced that thrill of exploration and discovery where you create an experiment, see your data and realise that you’ve produced information that no one else has ever known.”

That feeling says Professor Rasko, still excites him to this very day and provides him with all the motivation he needs to continue his critical work in finding effective treatments for cancer and genetic diseases.

Other topics touched on during the Radio National conversation included the broader impact of genetic diseases on society as well as Professor Rasko’s co-authorship of the book, Flesh Made New – The Unnatural History and Broken Promise of Stem Cells.

Click here to access the full interview and to find out more about Professor Rasko the person, the author, as well as distinguished scientist and medical researcher.