Always a scientist
Generous spirit remains as 'Frazer Institute' honours retiring vaccine co-inventor
To most of the world, Ian Frazer AC is the co-inventor of the first vaccine to protect against cancer and has saved millions of lives. But for those who know him, the 69-year-old is much more than a great scientist.
He embodies a rare generosity of spirit that is evident in his mentorship and training of researchers, his collaborations and loyalty, and his commitment to philanthropic endeavours.
Earlier this year, and with little fanfare, he stepped down from his academic position at UQ after 37 years, accepting a position as Emeritus Professor.
“I decided there had to be a line somewhere,” Emeritus Professor Frazer said.
“And I think it would be fair to say that my wife also decided that there had to be a line somewhere – we have grandchildren now and I really wanted to have some time with them.
“I also realised that if I'm occupying a space, I’m keeping it from somebody else who might be able to do something useful with it. And I think that it's very important to encourage young people to realise that they are given the opportunity to lead as well as just to do the science.”
Emeritus Professor Frazer and his late research partner Dr Jian Zhou had focused on the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.
They had been working on the virus for a year before their ‘Eureka!’ moment.
Dr Jian Zhou and Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer.
Dr Jian Zhou and Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer.
“[We had] one electron micrograph … and there were these virus-like particles, and Jian said, ‘We’ve got the shell of the virus?’ And I said yes, and we've probably got a vaccine. We knew that because we got something that looked like the virus, there was a good chance that it could be a vaccine,” Emeritus Professor Frazer said.
That vaccine went on to be named Gardasil and Cervarix, and since their release in 2007, the incidence of cervical cancer and precancer has steadily declined globally.
Emeritus Professor Frazer continues to work with agencies in Australia and overseas to get the vaccine into the developing world.
“It's not that it can't be done there. We've shown very clearly by going to Bhutan and Vanuatu that if you provide the vaccine, then they can deliver it effectively to the right people to help protect against cervical cancer,” he said.
“The problem is making sure the vaccine is available. And funnily enough, the biggest part of that problem right at the moment is manufacturing capacity. In other words, we're pushing to the limit the ability to make enough vaccine to get it out there.”
For Emeritus Professor Frazer, retirement will be a gradual transition rather than a sudden stop.
Two final PhD candidates will continue to benefit from his training and mentorship until they complete their doctoral training, likely towards the end of 2024.
“Well, I know that 42 PhD students have gone through under my supervision – mostly co-supervision, because we do it jointly these days,” Emeritus Professor Frazer said.
“And I reckon that something like 20 postdocs have also gone through under my supervision at various times.
“The scientists that I've supervised, collectively, will do far more for humankind than I have managed to do, there's no doubt. If you've got 200 scientists out there trying to solve problems, they will get major breakthroughs in many of the areas of health and medical research that we'd like to see.”
So how difficult will it be for Emeritus Professor Frazer to gradually step away?
“I think it's very difficult for any scientist to stop being a scientist,” he said.
“We all want to carry on doing what we enjoy doing, and what we think we're really interested in. It will be hard for me to step aside, but it will be gradual – I have students that I will continue to look after. And I've never met a scientist yet who isn't interested in the science they were working on, even when they're 90 or 100 years old.”
UQ has recognised Emeritus Professor Frazer’s outstanding contribution to society, medical research and philanthropy by renaming the UQ Diamantina Institute in his honour.
The announcement was made at the annual Jian Zhou Oration, held in memory of the Gardasil co-inventor since 2000, the year following his death.
The Institute is home to nearly 300 researchers, students and support staff dedicated to improving the detection and management of diseases such as skin and blood cancers, arthritis and diabetes.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AO, Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer, UQ Chancellor Peter Varghese AO and Director of the Frazer Institute Professor Paul Clarke unveil the Frazer Institute plaque at the annual Jian Zhou Oration.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AO, Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer, UQ Chancellor Peter Varghese AO and Director of the Frazer Institute Professor Paul Clarke unveil the Frazer Institute plaque at the annual Jian Zhou Oration.
The namesake is particularly appropriate given the emphasis on translation of research into therapies and diagnostic methods.
The Frazer Institute also acknowledges the significant contribution of Emeritus Professor Frazer's wife, Caroline (pictured).
Together, the couple led UQ’s landmark Not if, When – The Campaign to Create Change from 2017–2020, helping to raise $607 million to support students, teaching and research.
The couple will continue their philanthropic work through the Frazer Family Trust.
Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer discusses his transition into retirement and the naming of the Frazer Institute.
“We are passionate supporters of both research and the arts, and I know it can be extremely difficult to get a start in some of these fields.
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities we have enjoyed, and to be in the fortunate position now where we can give others a helping hand.”
Emeritus Professor Frazer has received numerous accolades for his research, was awarded Australian of the Year in 2006, and received the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science in 2008.
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