# Suzanne Cory > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Suzanne_Cory > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Suzanne_Cory.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzanne_Cory > Source revision: 1342393306 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Australian biologist (born 1942)}} {{about|the Australian biologist|the school named after her|Suzanne Cory High School}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}} {{Use Australian English|date=October 2016}} {{Infobox scientist | name = Suzanne Cory | honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AC|FAA|FRS|size=100%}} | image = | image_size = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1942|3|11|df=y}} | birth_place = [Melbourne](/source/Melbourne), Australia | death_date = | death_place = | death_cause = | field = Genetics and the immune system | work_institution = {{ubl|[Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research](/source/Walter_and_Eliza_Hall_Institute_of_Medical_Research)|[MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology](/source/MRC_Laboratory_of_Molecular_Biology)}} | education = [University of Melbourne](/source/University_of_Melbourne) (BSc), [University of Cambridge](/source/University_of_Cambridge) (PhD) | known_for = | children = 2 | spouse = Jerry Adams | prizes = {{ubl|[Australia Prize](/source/Australia_Prize) (1998)|[L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science](/source/L'Or%C3%A9al-UNESCO_Awards_for_Women_in_Science) (2001)|[Royal Medal](/source/Royal_Medal) (2002)|[Pearl Meister Greengard Prize](/source/Pearl_Meister_Greengard_Prize) (2009)}} }} '''Suzanne Cory''' (born 11 March 1942) is an Australian [molecular biologist](/source/Molecular_biology). She has worked on the genetics of the immune system and cancer and has lobbied her country to invest in science. She is married to fellow scientist [Jerry Adams](/source/Jerry_Adams), also a [Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research](/source/Walter_and_Eliza_Hall_Institute_of_Medical_Research) scientist. == Early life and education == Suzanne Cory was raised in [Kew](/source/Kew%2C_Melbourne), in suburban [Melbourne](/source/Melbourne), [Australia](/source/Australia). She was educated at [Canterbury Girls' Secondary College](/source/Canterbury_Girls'_Secondary_College) and [University High School, Melbourne](/source/University_High_School%2C_Melbourne). Cory studied at the [University of Melbourne](/source/University_of_Melbourne) where she graduated with a [BSc](/source/Bachelor_of_Science) degree in 1964 and an [MSc](/source/Master_of_Science) degree under Lloyd Finch in 1965, both in [biochemistry](/source/biochemistry).[https://www.womenaustralia.info/leaders/biogs/WLE0541b.htm Entries: Cory, Suzanne] - website of [The Australian Women's Register](/source/The_Australian_Women's_Register) By then she had "caught the research bug" decided to do her PhD.{{Cite journal |last=Cory |first=Suzanne |date=2005 |title=The DNA revolution: a personal perspective |url=https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/2011114/Chiron-2005.pdf |journal=Chiron |volume=5 |issue=3 |pages=47}} She applied to the [MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology](/source/MRC_Laboratory_of_Molecular_Biology) (LMB) in [Cambridge](/source/Cambridge), [England](/source/England) and was accepted, due in part to lobbying by [Professor Trikojus](/source/Victor_Trikojus), and due to her winning an [1851 Exhibition Scholarship](/source/1851_Exhibition_Scholarship). Beginning in 1966, she worked with such giants in the world of molecular biology as [Francis Crick](/source/Francis_Crick), [Sydney Brenner](/source/Sydney_Brenner), [Fred Sanger](/source/Frederick_Sanger) and [Max Perutz](/source/Max_Perutz), who introduced her to American [post-doc](/source/Postdoctoral_researcher) Jerry Adams, whom she would later marry. Her project was the purification and sequencing of a [transfer RNA](/source/transfer_RNA), for which she obtained her [PhD](/source/Doctor_of_Philosophy) in [Molecular Biology](/source/Molecular_Biology) from the [University of Cambridge](/source/University_of_Cambridge) in 1968.[https://www.portrait.gov.au/people/suzanne-cory-1942 Professor Suzanne Cory AC FAA FRS] - website of the [National Portrait Gallery (Australia)](/source/National_Portrait_Gallery_(Australia))[https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6818-3451 ID: Suzanne Cory] - website [ORCID](/source/ORCID) == Career and research == Cory travelled to the [University of Geneva](/source/University_of_Geneva) for her post-doctoral studies. While in Geneva, she focused on sequencing the RNA of R17 [bacteriophage](/source/bacteriophage) for the purpose of using it as a model.{{Cite web|url=http://www.suzannecoryhs.vic.edu.au/professor-suzanne-cory|title=Professor Suzanne Cory-AC, PhD, PresAA, FRS {{!}} About Us|website=www.suzannecoryhs.vic.edu.au|access-date=2016-11-24}} In 1971, Cory and her husband began their research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne, Australia. The two scientists helped introduce new scientific technology and methods they had been exposed to in Geneva and Cambridge, which helped expand and better the molecular biology research in Australia. They initially chose to study the genetic component of immunity, discovering that [antibody](/source/antibody) genes are a combination of pieces and can be arranged in a variety of ways. This discovery helped explain the diversity of the immune system and its ability to fight a large array of harmful cell invaders. After a decade of studying the immune system, Cory's lab switched their focus to [cancer](/source/cancer) and the genetic components of various cancers. Her lab discovered the genetic mutations that lead to [Burkitt's lymphoma](/source/Burkitt's_lymphoma) and [Follicular lymphoma](/source/Follicular_lymphoma).{{Cite journal|last1=Adams|first1=J. M.|last2=Gerondakis|first2=S.|last3=Webb|first3=E.|last4=Corcoran|first4=L. M.|last5=Cory|first5=S.|author4-link=Lynn Corcoran|date=1983-04-01|title=Cellular myc oncogene is altered by chromosome translocation to an immunoglobulin locus in murine plasmacytomas and is rearranged similarly in human Burkitt lymphomas|journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences|language=en|volume=80|issue=7|pages=1982–1986|issn=0027-8424|pmc=393736|pmid=6572957|doi=10.1073/pnas.80.7.1982|bibcode=1983PNAS...80.1982A|doi-access=free}} One of the main focuses of their cancer cell research is on cell proliferation and cell death. In particular, the [oncoprotein](/source/oncoprotein) [Myc](/source/Myc) and the [Bcl-2 protein family](/source/Bcl-2_protein_family) are of interest to her current research lab.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wehi.edu.au/people/suzanne-cory|title=Professor Suzanne Cory|last=Research|first=The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical|date=2014-10-17|newspaper=Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research|access-date=2016-11-24}} Bcl-2 is an important family of intracellular proteins that helps regulate [apoptosis](/source/apoptosis), or cell suicide. Bcl-2, paired with other regulators, prevents [caspase](/source/caspase)s from being activated.{{Cite journal|last1=Cory|first1=Suzanne|last2=Huang|first2=David C. S.|last3=Adams|first3=Jerry M.|date=2003-01-01|title=The Bcl-2 family: roles in cell survival and oncogenesis|journal=Oncogene|language=en|volume=22|issue=53|pages=8590–8607|doi=10.1038/sj.onc.1207102|pmid=14634621|issn=0950-9232|doi-access=free}} The caspases, a type of protease, remain inactive until signaled through a cascade to degrade the proteins that make up a cell. Cory's lab has developed Bcl2-blocking agents called [BH3](/source/BH3_interacting-domain_death_agonist) mimetics, which, when paired with low-dose [chemotherapy](/source/chemotherapy), have had positive results treating specific types of aggressive [lymphoma](/source/lymphoma)s. Cory is the immediate past President of the [Australian Academy of Science](/source/Australian_Academy_of_Science). She was the first-elected woman President of the Academy and took office on 7 May 2010 for a four-year term, replacing the former president, Professor [Kurt Lambeck](/source/Kurt_Lambeck).{{Cite news|title=First elected female President of the Academy of Science|date=July 2010|work=Magazine|via=EBSCOHost}} Cory was the Director of WEHI from 1996 until 30 June 2009 and remains a faculty member, having rejoined the institute's Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division. Her current research focuses on genetic changes in blood cancers and the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on the cancer cells. Cory's work has been published in ''[Blood](/source/Blood_(journal))'', ''[The EMBO Journal](/source/The_EMBO_Journal)'', ''[Nature](/source/Nature_(journal))'', ''[Cell Death & Differentiation](/source/Cell_Death_%26_Differentiation)'', and ''[Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America](/source/Proceedings_of_the_National_Academy_of_Sciences_of_the_United_States_of_America)''. Named in her honour, [Suzanne Cory High School](/source/Suzanne_Cory_High_School) opened in the Melbourne suburb of [Hoppers Crossing](/source/Hoppers_Crossing) in 2011. The public, select-entry high school caters to 800 students from grades 9-12. The school is in close proximity to [Victoria University](/source/Victoria_University%2C_Australia), which allows students access to the school's facilities and staff. In 2021, the Australian Academy of Science created the [Suzanne Cory Medal for Biomedical Sciences](/source/Suzanne_Cory_Medal_for_Biomedical_Sciences), awarded for outstanding research in all of the biological sciences.{{Cite web |title=Suzanne Cory Medal {{!}} Australian Academy of Science |url=https://www.science.org.au/supporting-science/awards-and-opportunities/suzanne-cory-medal |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=www.science.org.au |language=en}} ==Awards and honors== *1986 — elected a [Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science](/source/Fellow_of_the_Australian_Academy_of_Science) (FAA) *1992 — elected a [Fellow of the Royal Society](/source/Fellow_of_the_Royal_Society) (FRS) *1995 — awarded [Lemberg Medal](/source/Lemberg_Medal){{Cite web |title=Lemberg Medal Winners |url=https://www.asbmb.org.au/waldronsmith.eventsair.com/lemberg-medal-winners |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology}} *1997 — awarded [Macfarlane Burnet Medal and Lecture](/source/Macfarlane_Burnet_Medal_and_Lecture) of the [Australian Academy of Science](/source/Australian_Academy_of_Science){{cite web|url=https://www.science.org.au/opportunities-scientists/recognition/honorific-awards/career-awards/macfarlane-burnet-medal-and|title=Macfarlane Burnet Medal and Lecture|publisher= Australian Academy of Science|accessdate= 22 February 2017}} *1997 — elected Fellow of the [Royal Society of Victoria](/source/Royal_Society_of_Victoria) (FRSV){{Cite news|url=https://rsv.org.au/about-us/fellows/|title=Elected Fellows of the Royal Society of Victoria - The Royal Society of Victoria|work=The Royal Society of Victoria|access-date=2018-06-27|language=en-US}} *1998 — received [Charles S. Mott Prize](/source/Charles_S._Mott_Prize) of the General Motors Cancer Research Foundation (joint recipient) *1999 — named a [Companion of the Order of Australia](/source/Order_of_Australia) (AC){{Cite web|title=Professor Suzanne Cory|url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/883332|access-date=2021-10-29|website=It's an Honour}} *2001 — recipient of a [L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science](/source/L'Or%C3%A9al-UNESCO_Awards_for_Women_in_Science) *2001 — inducted onto [Victorian Honour Roll of Women](/source/Victorian_Honour_Roll_of_Women){{Cite web |date= |title=Professor Suzanne Cory AC |url=https://www.vic.gov.au/professor-suzanne-cory-ac |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=State Government of Victoria |language=en-au}} *2002 — awarded the [Royal Medal](/source/Royal_Medal) of the [Royal Society](/source/Royal_Society) *2004 — elected an Academician of the [Pontifical Academy of Sciences](/source/Pontifical_Academy_of_Sciences) *2009 — named a [Chevalier of the Legion of Honor](/source/Chevalier_of_the_Legion_of_Honor) and was presented with her award in Canberra, Australia, by the Ambassador of France in Australia, Michel Filhol{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article227385948 |title=La Légion d'Honneur au professeur Suzanne Cory |newspaper=[Le Courrier Australien](/source/Le_Courrier_Australien) |volume= |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=1 March 2009 |accessdate=23 September 2024 |page=21 |via=National Library of Australia}} *2011 — awarded the [Association for International Cancer Research](/source/Association_for_International_Cancer_Research) Colin Thomson Medal[http://www.aicr.org.uk/ColinThomsonMedal2011.stm Colin Thomson Medal 2011 Announcement] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709151222/http://www.aicr.org.uk/ColinThomsonMedal2011.stm |date=9 July 2011 }} *2012 — winner, CSIRO Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science{{Cite web |title=2012 Eureka Prizes awarded |url=http://www.researchcareer.com.au/archived-news/2012-eureka-prizes-awarded |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=ResearchCareer |language=en-gb}} *2013 — elected as a Fellow of the inaugural Class of the [American Association for Cancer Research](/source/American_Association_for_Cancer_Research) (AACR) Academy *2014 — delivered the annual ABC [Boyer Lectures](/source/Boyer_Lectures)[http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/boyerlectures/past-programs/index=2014 ABC Radio National Boyer Lectures, 2014] Boyer Lectures *2021 — elected Fellow of the [Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences](/source/Australian_Academy_of_Health_and_Medical_Sciences){{Cite web|date=2021-10-26|title=29 new Fellows elected|url=https://aahms.org/news/29-new-fellows-elected/|access-date=2021-10-29|website=AAHMS – Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences|language=en-AU}} ==Personal life== During her time at the LMB, Cory met [Jerry Adams](/source/Jerry_Adams), a scientist from the United States. The two scientists later married and had two daughters.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}} ==References== {{reflist}} == External links == * Overview of [https://web.archive.org/web/20110807102816/http://www.wehi.edu.au/about_us/history/the_cory_era/ directorship] and [http://www.wehi.edu.au/faculty_members/professor_suzanne_cory research] at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. * Smith, Deborah: [http://www.theage.com.au/national/woman-of-science-20100806-11oml.html Woman of science], ''[The Age](/source/The_Age)'', 7 August 2010. * {{Australian Women and Leadership|WLE0541b|Suzanne Cory}} * [http://library.cshl.edu/oralhistory/interview/scientific-experience/women-science/women-science-international-differences/ Suzanne Cory on Women in Science: International Differences], CSHL Digital Archives {{FRS 1992}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Cory, Suzanne}} Category:Australian medical researchers Category:Australian women scientists Category:Australian women medical researchers Category:1942 births Category:Living people Category:Australia Prize recipients Category:Knights of the Legion of Honour Category:Companions of the Order of Australia Category:Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science Category:Australian fellows of the Royal Society Category:Female fellows of the Royal Society Category:L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science laureates Category:Foreign associates of the National Academy of Sciences Category:Members of the French Academy of Sciences Category:Members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences Category:Presidents of the Australian Academy of Science Category:Royal Medal winners Category:People educated at University High School, Melbourne Category:WEHI alumni Category:Place of birth missing (living people) Category:20th-century Australian biologists Category:21st-century Australian scientists Category:21st-century Australian biologists Category:20th-century American women scientists Category:21st-century American women scientists Category:Fellows of the AACR Academy Category:Fellows of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Category:People from Kew, Victoria Category:Scientists from Melbourne Category:People educated at Canterbury Girls' Secondary College Category:Australian recipients of the Legion of Honour Category:American fellows of the Royal Society --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Suzanne Cory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzanne_Cory) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzanne_Cory?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.