Professor Jian Li recognised for research excellence with two international awards
Each year, the prestigious and internationally competitive Humboldt Research Award recognises distinguished and world-leading researchers whose scientific discoveries and insights are making a significant difference in their specific field.
One of this year’s renowned recipients is Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor Jian Li FAA FAAM FAHMS, who leads the Antimicrobial Systems Pharmacology Lab at Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI).
Professor Li has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to antimicrobial pharmacology and the discovery of novel antibiotics to combat Gram-negative ‘superbugs’.
The work of Professor Li and his team has impacted both fundamental science and clinical translation, and has contributed to improved treatment approaches for life-threatening infections.
The Lab’s research is focused on optimising antibiotic use – in particular polymyxins and their combinations, and on pinpointing the mechanisms of antibacterial activity and resistance to develop novel therapies.
Professor Li’s research led to the first scientifically-based dosing guidelines of polymyxins which have now been adopted worldwide and have significantly improved clinical practice.
Soralimixin, a truly Monash drug that was discovered and developed from scratch by Professor Li’s team, with substantial funding support from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Australian NHMRC, has successfully completed Phase I clinical studies in the United States. It is now progressing through clinical development.
“Transforming breakthrough biomedical discoveries into dosing guidelines and effective therapeutics represents a critical pathway for improving global health, enhancing healthcare practice, and delivering substantial socio-economic benefits to society,” Professor Li said.
The Humboldt Research Award is one of the latest in a series of awards for Professor Li and is presented by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation as part of the Global Minds Initiative.
The Foundation is one of Germany’s most respected research organisations and the Humboldt Research Award funds recipients to conduct a research project of their choice at a research institution in Germany.
Professor Li will undertake a collaborative research visit with Professor Falk Schreiber at the Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Konstanz, Germany. The synergistic partnership will leverage complementary expertise to advance antimicrobial systems pharmacology and expedite the discovery of novel therapeutic solutions to antimicrobial resistance – one of the world's most pressing medical challenges.
“I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues at the University of Konstanz and other leading German universities. Receiving the Humboldt Research Award is a tremendous honour and a privilege. It provides an outstanding opportunity to explore how we can best tackle the global challenge of antibiotic resistance,” Professor Li said.
In further recognition of the far-reaching impact of Professor Li’s research and his dedicated leadership, he has also recently received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Anti-Infective Pharmacology (ISAP).
The ISAP is an interdisciplinary scientific society for the study of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to improve the dosing of anti-infective medications.
“I would like to sincerely thank Monash, our Faculty and BDI for the continuous support, and particularly my team and collaborators for their outstanding contributions, which have made the recognition possible,” Professor Li said.
Read more about the Humboldt Research Awards here
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About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University
Committed to making discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally renowned research teams. Spanning seven discovery programs across Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Development and Stem Cells, Infection, Immunity, Metabolism, Diabetes and Obesity, and Neuroscience, Monash BDI is one of the largest biomedical research institutes in Australia. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.