Prof. Rodney Scott

Work Phone	(02) 4921 4974
Fax	(02) 4921 4253
Email	Rodney.Scott@newcastle.edu.au
Position	Professor School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy The University of Newcastle, Australia
Office	JHH3201, John Hunter Hospital

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Biography

Inherited forms of cancer have been my main interest for around 20 years. The research I have been involved first focused on the identification of genes associated with with inherited forms of colorectal cancer and breast cancer. The research area proved to be extremely successful as it really set the scene for our current understanding of the genetic basis of malignancy.

Since the identification of genetic susceptibilies my research interests have focused on better defining these inherited entities such that more appropriate intervention strategies can be developed. Initially, much emphasis was placed on recognising genotype/phenotype correlations with disease and as such the research I have undertaken has done much to define such relationships. More recently, the role of modifier genes in disease penetrance has been a major thematic area and data forthcoming from these studies indicates that there are additional disease suspectibilies that are important in assessing individual risk on a genetic background of high risk. This research is now begining to be translated to the general population as it represents the first tentative move towards determining cancer risk in the general population. With increasing emphasis on disease prevention it is to be expected that this research will continue to flourish.

My research career took off in Switzerland where I consolidated a centre dedicated to the study of inherited predispositions to cancer. During this period of my research career I was heavily involved in the identification of genetic predispostions to breast cancer and bowel cancer and through my activities supervised 4 PhD students who have since had excellent careers in medical research. The research that I am focused on is consistant with two of Austalia's national priorities, heathy aging and a healthy start to life.

Qualifications

Privat Dozent - German equivalent to DSc, University of Basel, 1998
Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Western Australia
PhD, University of Western Australia

Research

Research keywords

Cancer Genetics
Colorectal cancer
DNA repair
Gene environment interaction
Molecular
breast cancer
human
modifier genes

Research expertise

Expertise in the genetic basis of disease especially in relation to the development of malignancy.

Collaboration

The genetics of bowel cancer, Genetic variation and its relationship to disease, The genetics of breast cancer.

Languages

German

Fields of Research

Description (Code)	%
Genetics Not Elsewhere Classified(060499)	40
Oncology And Carcinogenesis(111200)	40
Clinical Sciences(110300)	20

Centres and Groups

Centre

Group

Memberships

Body relevant to professional practice.

Member of the Genetic Services Advisory Committee - Genetic Services, NSW Department of Health
Member of the DNA Working Party - Genetic Services, NSW Department of Health
Member - International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research (INCTR)
Secretary - NSWOG (Familial Cancer) Cancer Institute of NSW
Examiner - Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia

Committee/Associations (relevant to research).

Member of the Management Committee - Ramaciotti Centre for Gene Function Analysis

Editorial Board.

Editor-in-Chief - Hereditary Cancer in Clinical Practice

Learned Academy.

Examiner - Royal College of Pathologists id Australasia

Appointments

Member of the working group on human gene patents
AHMAC (Australia)

01/01/2002 - 01/12/2003

Founding Member
International Hereditary Cancer Center (Poland)

01/01/2002

Chair of the Board of Censors for Molecular Genetics
Human Genetics Society of Australasia (Australia)

01/01/2003

Member gene technology technical advisory committee
Gene Trechnology Regulator, Federal Government (Australia)

01/06/2005

Scientific Advisor
Cancer Institute New South Wales (Australia)