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Cowman was awarded his [[Bachelor of Science]] (Honours) from [[Griffith University]] in 1979.
Cowman was awarded his [[Bachelor of Science]] (Honours) from [[Griffith University]] in 1979.
After this, he earned his [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]] at WEHI in 1984, with [[David Kemp (Australian scientist)|David Kemp]] as his supervisor.
After this, he earned his [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]] at WEHI in 1984, with [[David Kemp (Australian scientist)|David Kemp]] as his supervisor.
His PhD Thesis involved the cattle parasite ''[[Babesia bovis]]'': in conjunction with other students they developed cloning, immunochemical and recombinant DNA techniques to analyze the population variation and protein production, then to produce proteins and antigens.<ref name="Sherman 2011">{{cite book |last1=Sherman |first1=Irwin |title=Reflections on a century of malaria biochemistry |date=2011 |publisher=Academic Press |isbn=9780080921839 |pages=79-80}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Angus |first1=Beverley Margaret |title=Tick fever and the cattle tick in Australia 1829-1996 |date=1998 |publisher=Dept. of Primary Industries |isbn=9780724267606 |page=471}}</ref>
His PhD Thesis involved the cattle parasite ''[[Babesia bovis]]'': in conjunction with other students they developed cloning, immunochemical and [[recombinant DNA]] techniques to analyze the population variation and protein production, then to produce proteins and antigens.<ref name="Sherman 2011">{{cite book |last1=Sherman |first1=Irwin |title=Reflections on a century of malaria biochemistry |date=2011 |publisher=Academic Press |isbn=9780080921839 |pages=79-80}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Angus |first1=Beverley Margaret |title=Tick fever and the cattle tick in Australia 1829-1996 |date=1998 |publisher=Dept. of Primary Industries |isbn=9780724267606 |page=471}}</ref> This was followed two postdoctoral projects involving genetic analysis at WEHI. Cowman then moved to America to take up a postdoctoral position to study ''[[Drosophila]]'' at the [[University of California, Berkeley]] for two years.<ref name="ASBMB_Lemberg"/><ref name="Sherman 2011"/>

This was followed two postdoctoral projects involving genetic analysis at WEHI. He then moved to America to take up a postdoctoral position to study ''[[Drosophila]]'' at the [[University of California, Berkeley]] for two years.<ref name="ASBMB_Lemberg"/><ref name="Sherman 2011"/>


==Career==
==Career==
In 1986 he returned to the WEHI, and decided to concentrate on genes that make parasites resistant to drugs.<ref name="Sherman 2011"/> He was supported by a Wellcome Trust Australian Senior Research Fellowship in 1988, then by three successive International Research Scholarships from the [[Howard Hughes Medical Institute]]. In 1999 he was appointed Head of the Division of Infection and Immunity, which he still holds.<ref name="ASBMB_Lemberg"/>
In 1986 Cowman returned to the WEHI, and decided to concentrate on genes that make parasites resistant to drugs.<ref name="Sherman 2011"/> He was supported by a Welcome Trust Australian Senior Research Fellowship in 1988, then by three successive International Research Scholarships from the [[Howard Hughes Medical Institute]]. In 1999 Cowman was appointed head of the Division of Infection and Immunity, which he still holds.<ref name="ASBMB_Lemberg"/>

He held an Australia Fellowship from 2007 to 2012, and {{as of|2018|lc=y}} he held a Senior Principal Research Fellowship from the [[NHMRC]].<ref name="1MWC">{{cite web |title=Alan Cowman |url=https://www.malariaworldcongress.org/alan-cowman |website=1st Malaria World Congress |accessdate=30 May 2019}}</ref>
Cowman held an Australia Fellowship from 2007 to 2012, and {{as of|2018|lc=y}} he held a Senior Principal Research Fellowship from the [[NHMRC]].<ref name="1MWC">{{cite web |title=Alan Cowman |url=https://www.malariaworldcongress.org/alan-cowman |website=1st Malaria World Congress |accessdate=30 May 2019}}</ref>


His research focus has been on [[protozoan infection]]s, especially the cause of [[malaria]] (''[[Plasmodium falciparum]]''), which kill over 500,000 people each year world-wide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Study maps malaria parasite giving hope for vaccine |publisher=NEWS.am Medicine |url=https://medicine.news.am/eng/news/20546/study-maps-malaria-parasite-giving-hope-for-vaccine.html |website=medicine.news.am |accessdate=31 May 2019}}</ref> He made significant advances in understanding
Cowman's research focus has been on [[protozoan infection]]s, especially the cause of [[malaria]] (''[[Plasmodium falciparum]]''), which kill over 500,000 people each year world-wide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Study maps malaria parasite giving hope for vaccine |publisher=NEWS.am Medicine |url=https://medicine.news.am/eng/news/20546/study-maps-malaria-parasite-giving-hope-for-vaccine.html |website=medicine.news.am |accessdate=31 May 2019}}</ref> He made significant advances in understanding
the molecular mechanisms which the malaria parasites use to take over human cells,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=David |title=Protein 'ushers' key to beating malaria |url=https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/02/04/2810028.htm |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=AM |publisher=www.abc.net.au |date=4 February 2010 |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cowman |first1=Alan F. |last2=Crabb |first2=Brendan S. |last3=Simpson |first3=Richard J. |last4=Koning-Ward |first4=Tania F. de |last5=Pearce |first5=J. Andrew |last6=Kapp |first6=Eugene A. |last7=Patsiouras |first7=Heather |last8=Gilson |first8=Paul R. |last9=Günther |first9=Svenja |last10=Hodder |first10=Anthony N. |last11=Boddey |first11=Justin A. |title=An aspartyl protease directs malaria effector proteins to the host cell |journal=Nature |date=February 2010 |volume=463 |issue=7281 |pages=627–631 |doi=10.1038/nature08728 |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/nature08728 |accessdate=31 May 2019 |language=en |issn=1476-4687}}</ref> and how they evade the body's natural defences.
the molecular mechanisms which the malaria parasites use to take over human cells,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=David |title=Protein 'ushers' key to beating malaria |url=https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/02/04/2810028.htm |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=AM |publisher=www.abc.net.au |date=4 February 2010 |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cowman |first1=Alan F. |last2=Crabb |first2=Brendan S. |last3=Simpson |first3=Richard J. |last4=Koning-Ward |first4=Tania F. de |last5=Pearce |first5=J. Andrew |last6=Kapp |first6=Eugene A. |last7=Patsiouras |first7=Heather |last8=Gilson |first8=Paul R. |last9=Günther |first9=Svenja |last10=Hodder |first10=Anthony N. |last11=Boddey |first11=Justin A. |title=An aspartyl protease directs malaria effector proteins to the host cell |journal=Nature |date=February 2010 |volume=463 |issue=7281 |pages=627–631 |doi=10.1038/nature08728 |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/nature08728 |accessdate=31 May 2019 |language=en |issn=1476-4687}}</ref> and how they evade the body's natural defenses.
He found that once the malaria parasites takes over red blood cells, it remodels them in such a way that they can reproduce without triggering the patient's immune system.
Cowman found that once the malaria parasites takes over red blood cells, it remodels them in such a way that they can reproduce without triggering the patient's immune system. He also investigated how the parasites build resistance to antimalarial drugs.<ref name="frs"/> These two lines of research have helped to guide the development of new drugs, supplemented by his team's monitoring the spread of drug resistance strains.<ref name="ASBMB_Lemberg"/>
He also investigated how the parasites build resistance to antimalarial drugs.<ref name="frs"/> These two lines of research have helped to guide the development of new drugs, supplemented by his team's monitoring the spread of drug resistance strains.<ref name="ASBMB_Lemberg"/>
He also conducts research into the genetic properties of the parasite, and he was the first researcher to develop a live genetically attenuated vaccine of ''P. falciparum''.<ref name="frs"/>
He also conducts research into the genetic properties of the parasite, and he was the first researcher to develop a live genetically attenuated vaccine of ''P. falciparum''.<ref name="frs"/>


Some critics have commented that the WEHI group struggled to come to grips with the financial necessities of commercializing their research and funding "big science" projects. However, their technical achievements were universally acknowledged.<ref name="Sherman 2011"/>
Some critics have commented that the WEHI group struggled to come to grips with the financial necessities of commercializing their research and funding "big science" projects. However, their technical achievements were universally acknowledged.<ref name="Sherman 2011"/>


He has published extensively, and his work very widely cited: Google Scholar cites his [[h-index]] as 108, while Scopus gives it as 91.<ref name=gs>{{Google scholar id|id=stz-mSwAAAAJ}}</ref><ref name=scopus>{{Scopus id}}</ref>
Cowman has published extensively, and his work very widely cited: Google Scholar cites his [[h-index]] as 108, while Scopus gives it as 91.<ref name=gs>{{Google scholar id|id=stz-mSwAAAAJ}}</ref><ref name=scopus>{{Scopus id}}</ref>


==Recognition==
==Recognition==

Revision as of 17:59, 10 June 2019

Alan Cowman
AC FRS
Born
Alan Frederick Cowman

(1954-12-27) 27 December 1954 (age 69)[4]
Alma materGriffith University (BSc)[4]
University of Melbourne (PhD)
Scientific career
FieldsMalaria
Microbiology
Parasitology[1]
InstitutionsWalter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
University of California, Berkeley
ThesisGenes of the protozoan parasite Babesia bovis (1983)
Doctoral advisorDavid J. Kemp[2]
Notable studentsBrendan Crabb[3]
Websitewehi.edu.au/people/alan-cowman

Alan Frederick Cowman AC FRS[5] (born 27 December 1954) is an Australian medical researcher. He is the head of the division of infection and immunity at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne, where he specializes in researching the parasites that cause malaria.[4][6] In 2019 he was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia for his "eminent service to the biological sciences".[7]

Education

Cowman was awarded his Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Griffith University in 1979. After this, he earned his PhD at WEHI in 1984, with David Kemp as his supervisor. His PhD Thesis involved the cattle parasite Babesia bovis: in conjunction with other students they developed cloning, immunochemical and recombinant DNA techniques to analyze the population variation and protein production, then to produce proteins and antigens.[2][8] This was followed two postdoctoral projects involving genetic analysis at WEHI. Cowman then moved to America to take up a postdoctoral position to study Drosophila at the University of California, Berkeley for two years.[9][2]

Career

In 1986 Cowman returned to the WEHI, and decided to concentrate on genes that make parasites resistant to drugs.[2] He was supported by a Welcome Trust Australian Senior Research Fellowship in 1988, then by three successive International Research Scholarships from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. In 1999 Cowman was appointed head of the Division of Infection and Immunity, which he still holds.[9]

Cowman held an Australia Fellowship from 2007 to 2012, and as of 2018 he held a Senior Principal Research Fellowship from the NHMRC.[10]

Cowman's research focus has been on protozoan infections, especially the cause of malaria (Plasmodium falciparum), which kill over 500,000 people each year world-wide.[11] He made significant advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms which the malaria parasites use to take over human cells,[12][13] and how they evade the body's natural defenses. Cowman found that once the malaria parasites takes over red blood cells, it remodels them in such a way that they can reproduce without triggering the patient's immune system. He also investigated how the parasites build resistance to antimalarial drugs.[5] These two lines of research have helped to guide the development of new drugs, supplemented by his team's monitoring the spread of drug resistance strains.[9] He also conducts research into the genetic properties of the parasite, and he was the first researcher to develop a live genetically attenuated vaccine of P. falciparum.[5]

Some critics have commented that the WEHI group struggled to come to grips with the financial necessities of commercializing their research and funding "big science" projects. However, their technical achievements were universally acknowledged.[2]

Cowman has published extensively, and his work very widely cited: Google Scholar cites his h-index as 108, while Scopus gives it as 91.[1][14]

Recognition

2019 Companion of the Order of Australia[7]
2016 Research Excellence Award from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recognising outstanding performance and excellence in health and medical research innovation.[15]
2016 Wellcome Trust grant for development of antimalarial drugs with Merck & Co., Inc.[16]
2014 Award for Research Excellence from the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists[17]
2013 Mahathir Science Award, Mahathir Science Foundation, Malaysia[18]
2013 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation, Victorian Government and veski[16]
2011 Fellow of The Royal Society[5]
2010-2014 President, World Federation of Parasitology[16]
2010 Glaxo-Wellcome Australia Medal[9]
2010 Howard Taylor Ricketts Medal from the University of Chicago[19]
2006 Lemberg Medal awarded by the Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology[9]
2001 Fellow, Australian Academy of Science[16]
2001 Centenary Medal awarded by the Australian government[20]
1998 Glaxo Award for Advanced Research in Infectious Diseases[21]
1994 ASBMB Boehringer-Mannheim Medal[9]
1993 Gottschalk Medal for Medical Science and Biology from the Australian Academy of Science[22]

References

  1. ^ a b Alan Cowman publications indexed by Google Scholar
  2. ^ a b c d e Sherman, Irwin (2011). Reflections on a century of malaria biochemistry. Academic Press. pp. 79–80. ISBN 9780080921839.
  3. ^ Irwin Sherman (2011). Reflections on a Century of Malaria Biochemistry. p. 251-252. ISBN 9780080921839.
  4. ^ a b c Anon (2013). "Cowman, Prof. Alan Frederick". Who's Who (online Oxford University Press ed.). Oxford: A & C Black. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U257471. {{cite encyclopedia}}: More than one of |surname= and |author= specified (help); Unknown parameter |othernames= ignored (help) (Subscription or UK public library membership required.) (subscription required)
  5. ^ a b c d "AlanCowman - Royal Society". Royalsociety.org. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  6. ^ "Professor Alan Cowman (archived copy)". Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Archived from the original on 2018-11-17. Retrieved 2018-11-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ a b "Professor Alan Frederick COWMAN - Award Extract". honours.pmc.gov.au. Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 10 June 2019. Retrieved 10 June 2019. For eminent service to the biological sciences, notably to molecular parasitology, to medical research and scientific education, and as a mentor.
  8. ^ Angus, Beverley Margaret (1998). Tick fever and the cattle tick in Australia 1829-1996. Dept. of Primary Industries. p. 471. ISBN 9780724267606.
  9. ^ a b c d e f "Alan Cowman". ASBMB. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  10. ^ "Alan Cowman". 1st Malaria World Congress. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  11. ^ "Study maps malaria parasite giving hope for vaccine". medicine.news.am. NEWS.am Medicine. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  12. ^ Mark, David (4 February 2010). "Protein 'ushers' key to beating malaria". AM. www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  13. ^ Cowman, Alan F.; Crabb, Brendan S.; Simpson, Richard J.; Koning-Ward, Tania F. de; Pearce, J. Andrew; Kapp, Eugene A.; Patsiouras, Heather; Gilson, Paul R.; Günther, Svenja; Hodder, Anthony N.; Boddey, Justin A. (February 2010). "An aspartyl protease directs malaria effector proteins to the host cell". Nature. 463 (7281): 627–631. doi:10.1038/nature08728. ISSN 1476-4687. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  14. ^ Alan Cowman publications indexed by the Scopus bibliographic database. (subscription required)
  15. ^ "2016 Research Excellence Award". www.nhmrc.gov.au. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  16. ^ a b c d "Alan Cowman-Achievements". Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. 3 November 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  17. ^ "FAOBMB Award for Research Excellence". FAOBMB - Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists Inc. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  18. ^ "Professor Alan Cowman wins Malaysian science award". Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. 30 October 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  19. ^ "Malaria researcher wins Howard Taylor Ricketts award". EurekAlert! press release. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  20. ^ "Professor Alan COWMAN - Award Extract". honours.pmc.gov.au. Australian government: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 1 January 2001. Retrieved 10 June 2019. For service to Australian society and science in medical research
  21. ^ "Alumni Members | GSK Award for Research Excellence". au.gsk.com. Glaxo Smith Kline Australia. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  22. ^ "Gottschalk Medal | Awardees". www.science.org.au. Australian Academy of Science. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
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