Pioneering achievements recognised in Honours list
The Perron Institute is delighted to have been well represented in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
“It was wonderful to see the recognition given to three eminent researchers in WA, Professors Steve Wilton, Sue Fletcher and Frank Mastaglia who have made such a distinguished contribution in the fields of neurology and neuroscience,” said Perron Institute CEO, Steve Arnott.
“We congratulate and are so proud of Steve, Sue and Frank for their achievements to improve the lives of people with neurological disorders.
“The conferring of an Office of the Order of Australia (AO) on Professors Steve Wilton and Sue Fletcher is a very well-deserved recognition of their innovative, ground-breaking work that has led to world first gene patching drugs for muscular dystrophy.
“Their extraordinary achievements are changing lives and have opened pathways for development of genetic therapies for other life limiting neurological conditions.”
Professor Steve Wilton is Director of the Perron Institute and the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics (CMMIT), which is a joint venture between the Perron Institute and Murdoch University.
Professor Sue Fletcher is a research fellow at Murdoch University and Chief Scientific Officer at PYC Therapeutics.
Professor Frank Mastaglia, who was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), was honoured for significant services to neuromuscular disease, and to professional associations.
“Professor Mastaglia is regarded as a legend in the world of neurology,” writes Clinical Professor David Blacker, Perron Institute Medical Director.
“His achievements include pivotal early descriptions of inflammatory muscle disorders, a proliferative output of academic writing, the establishment of pioneering collaborative clinics between neurologists and immunologists at the Perron Institute and academic and clinical leadership.
“His clinical skills have improved the lives of thousands of patients with neurological disease. He has mentored generations of neurologists and neuroscientists, and he continues to share his wisdom in his ongoing role as the Research Co-ordinator at the Perron Institute.
“His calm, kind and reassuring demeanour, ability to assess clinical and scientific problems rapidly, and enormous intellect, make him an inspiration to all those fortunate to interact with him.”