Professor Pilar Blancafort, Group Leader of the Cancer Epigenetics laboratory and Head of the Cancer Program at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and The University of Western Australia’s Centre for Medical Research received a Special Commendation from the Judging Panel at the 2026 UWA Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Award, which recognises the diverse career paths of researchers and support staff and celebrates their impact.
Professor Blancafort, a specialist in genome engineering and gene targeting and her laboratory has pioneered the development of engineered DNA binding proteins to modulate the epigenetic state of cancer cells and delivery strategies for tumor targeting in pre-clinical studies.
“Thank you to the Perkins for supporting my research and to the Perkins and The University of Western Australia for having faith on the research leadership of my team,” she said.
“I am so grateful to all of my wonderful team members, to our collaborators and consumers, which allows us the chance to make a difference to our patients.”
Perkins CEO, Professor Peter Leedman AO, welcomed the achievement and congratulated Pilar on her success.
“This Special Commendation is a testament not only to Professor Blancafort’s outstanding research achievements, but also to a career defined by intellectual leadership, dedication and sustained excellence,” he said.
“Your contribution to advancing knowledge and shaping the future of research is truly exceptional and this acknowledgement is richly deserved.”
Professor Anna Nowak, UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), congratulated Professor Blancafort for her commendation.
“It is wonderful that you have been acknowledged for your efforts in such a competitive field, and you can be proud of your achievement,” she said.
