16 March 2005

On 16 March 2005, the US Endocrine Society recognised the outstanding achievements of Professor Evan Simpson, whilst he was Director of PHI, by awarding him the 2005 Roy O.Greep Award.

The Award is given in recognition of Professor Simpson’s contributions to our understanding of hormones, particularly estrogen and aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen biosynthesis. The recipient of the Award presented a Plenary Lecture at the US Endocrine Society Annual Meeting in San Diego in June 2005.


Professor Simpson is recognised as the world leader in the area of estrogen biosynthesis.

Over the last 25 years, his work has shown that estrogen plays an important role in the development of breast cancer, the maintenance of bone mineralisation and cognitive function.

Professor Simpson’s lab was the first to clone the cDNA and subsequently the human gene encoding aromatase. His work has major significance for the future use of aromatase inhibitors over estrogen receptor antagonists for breast cancer treatment.

In collaborative research, Professor Simpson's group has studied aromatase levels in estrogen deficient humans and created a mouse model of estrogen insufficiency, the ArKO mouse. These studies have revealed many new and unexpected roles for estrogens, including roles in male libido and in the prevention of obesity.

Professor Simpson has published over 350 peer reviewed articles, invited reviews and book chapters. He is one of the four most cited scientists in Australia, in the field of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. He has received numerous awards including the Trans-Atlantic Medal and the Asia and Oceania Medal from the UK Society for Endocrinology and the President’s Scientific Achievement Award from the US Society for Gynecological Investigation. He has mentored over 60 PhD students and postdoctoral Fellows, many of whom hold senior positions in obstetrics/gynaecology and endocrinology worldwide. Professor Simpson has been Director of Prince Henry’s Institute since 1998.

As a Group Leader in the Victorian Breast Cancer Research Consortium, his current research is directed towards discovering new and better therapies for breast cancer prevention and treatment.



© Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research Disclaimer | Links to other sites
ABN 77 601 754 678