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Professor Graham Le Gros a recipient of Queen’s Birthday Royal Honour 2014

3 June 2014

Malaghan Institute Director Professor Graham Le Gros was yesterday recognised for his contribution to medical research when he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for his services to medical research.

Professor Le Gros, who has been Malaghan Institute Director since 1994, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand, an Honorary Fellow of The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA), a member of the Biomedical Research Committee for the Health Research Council of New Zealand and an active member of several science advisory and journal editorial boards.

Professor Le Gros is also the Malaghan Institute’s Allergic and Parasitic Diseases Programme Leader, with the goal of understanding the signals that trigger the initiation of asthma and allergy.

Graham Malaghan, Chair of the Malaghan Institute, paid tribute to Professor Le Gros’ contribution to the Institute. “Professor Le Gros’ experience and expertise are essential components of the Institute’s success, while his vision has been key in enabling the Institute to develop its position as the leading independent medical organisation in New Zealand. Everyone at the Institute is delighted for Graham; this honour is deserved recognition for an exceptional career and we look forward to many more years of medical progress for New Zealanders under Graham’s leadership.”

Malaghan Institute staff were also delighted by the news.

“Graham’s leadership has provided a foundation for immunotherapy at the Malaghan Institute that can’t be overstated,” said James Araci, National Development Manager, “My colleagues are heartened to see the Institute being recognised for the positive difference it makes to our nation.”

Professor Le Gros wishes to acknowledge all the supporters and staff who have made the Institute what it is today.

"I feel honoured to have received the recognition on behalf of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and its many supporters in New Zealand.

"I would like to thank my wife, Professor Franca Ronchese, as my equal partner in this achievement.

"I want to recognise the enormous efforts of all our supporters and staff who have made the Institute what it is today. We’re on the brink of an exciting new era in immunotherapy and I hope this honour makes Kiwis realise Kiwis can achieve high tech goals and make it happen here.

Our country has a great tradition of down to earth innovation, and we hope this spirit can help us find the cures people need more quickly."

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