Professor Jennifer Moodley has been awarded the 2018 AG Oettlé Memorial Award from the Cancer Society of South African (CANSA). This award is in recognition of her research excellence in the field of cancer and to acknowledge contributions to cancer control in SA.

It is a credit to Jennifer’s outstanding work, including leadership of the Cancer Research Initiative.

We caught up with the esteemed prize-winner to find out more.

Overview of yourself, what is your specific job field/title?

Jennifer: I am a public health medicine physician and the Director of the Cancer Research Initiative (CRI) in the Faculty of Health Sciences. As Director of CRI I am responsible for the development of a comprehensive, integrated cancer research program and supporting translation of research into clinical and public health benefit.I am also affiliated to  the Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine and serve as Deputy Director of the SAMRC Gynaecology Cancer Research Centre in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

What is the  name of the award and can you provide a brief explanation of the award?

Jennifer: The AG Oettlé Memorial award is in remembrance of the late Dr Oettlé, a cancer researcher and epidemiologist who worked at the South African Institute for Medical Research in Johannesburg in the 1960’s, financed by CANSA. Dr Oettlé served the Association with distinction until his death in November 1967 at the age of 47. His research over 16 years strengthened the theory that environment may play a considerable role in causing cancer. In addition, he broke new ground in conducting a survey of cancer rates in the community. After his premature death, his family and colleagues decided to create the Oettlé Memorial award to be presented by CANSA to recipients who had significantly contributed to cancer control in South Africa.

What does winning this award mean to you?

Jennifer: I am thrilled to receive this award. Research is very seldom about one person’s work. I truly value the importance of multi-disciplinary teams in addressing cancer control and am committed to social development and translating research into policy and practice. All of my research involves teams of multi-disciplinary researchers, clinicians, students, community representatives and policy makers. This award is also for everyone that I have had the privilege of working with.

Well done Jennifer, keep up the fantastic work!