In presenting Professor Clingan for the honorary Doctor of Science, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health Alison Jones praised his ‘’dedicated service to the medical profession’’.

‘’Professor Clingan is a highly talented and dedicated oncologist and cancer researcher who has made substantial contributions to the people of the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, and an outstanding national and international contribution to cancer research,’’ Prof Jones said.

‘’His skills and expertise as an oncologist have saved countless lives and his significant contributions to cancer research have set the standard for treatment regimes around the world for colon, breast and lung cancer.’’

Prof Jones said residents of the region were fortunate that 30 years ago, an ‘’aspirational young oncologist saw an opportunity in Wollongong’’ and moved to the region with his wife, Margaret and four young daughters. 

She said his ambition had been to create a world class cancer treatment centre in a regional setting, which he soon achieved. Prior to his arrival, Illawarra residents had little option other than to travel to Sydney for life-saving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. 

‘’Professor Clingan’s determination to provide better treatment and enhance patient care resulted in major improvements in facilities for treating those affected by cancer – most notably the establishment of cancer care centres in Wollongong and Nowra,’’ Prof Jones said. 

As patron of the Illawarra Cancer Carers, Professor Clingan has helped raise over $3 million for cancer services and research and has also successfully lobbied for vital equipment.

He has had a long association with the University of Wollongong, helping establish the Graduate School of Medicine and he continues to train medical students.

Of the doctorate, he said: ‘’I’ve always been an advocate for this area and I’m really honoured the university considers me worthy of this recognition.’’

He is also involved with the development of new cancer treatment protocols, in collaboration with researchers at the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute.

PhD research on fats

For his PhD, Colin Cortie has been on a mission to understand the ageing process.

The 30-year-old accepted his award at the UOW on Thursday.

‘’By the standards of most mammals, humans are long living,’’ he said.

‘‘For our size, we should be living on average 25 years.’’

His work has shown that the fountain of youth may be found in the lipids (fats) in our cell membranes.

Study shows oil may balance high fat diet

An olive oil derivative may help circumvent the negative affects of a high fat diet according to research undertaken at UOW.

Danielle Camer received a PhD from the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health on Thursday for her part in the research.

‘’We tested a drug derived from a chemical found in olive oil and found it prevented some of the negative affects of a high fat diet,’’ she said.

“Further research needs to be done to see if it could reduce obesity.’’