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Lifetime achievement award for women’s cancer researcher

QIMR Berghofer’s Professor Penny Webb has won a lifetime achievement award from the Australasian Epidemiological Association (AEA).

Professor Webb is the Group Leader of the Gynaecological Cancers Research Group and Coordinator of QIMR Berghofer’s Population Health Department.

She is an internationally recognised epidemiologist who has a longstanding dedication to gynaecological cancer research.

The award highlights Professor Webb’s research and her work as the author of a leading epidemiology textbook, Essential Epidemiology.

“The textbook has sold 37,000 copies worldwide and is used to teach introductory epidemiology in most universities in Australia and New Zealand, an achievement which I’m incredibly proud of,” Professor Webb said.

Her world-first Ovarian Cancer Prognosis and Lifestyle Study is designed to provide answers about the lifestyle factors or changes that might make a difference to women’s survival.

“It is a huge honour to be recognised by my peers in the AEA,” Professor Webb said.

Professor Webb has published more than 280 peer-reviewed articles, with one third of those in top-ranking journals in her field.

“A particular focus for me is identifying environmental factors involved in the causation of cancer and also factors that might affect quality of life and survival after a diagnosis of cancer,” she said.

“I’m passionate about reducing the burden of cancer and about informing and empowering women with cancer. It is wonderful to receive this award in recognition of my contribution so far.”

Professor Webb is also looking forward to the fourth edition of her successful textbook Essential Epidemiology, which is to be published in early 2020.

The AEA develops and promotes epidemiology in Australasia, and the Lifetime Award recognises outstanding contributions to the field of epidemiology.