University of Sydney congratulates Professor Karen Canfell, Companion of the Order of Australia

The University of Sydney congratulates the Director of the flagship Daffodil Centre*, Professor Karen Canfell AC, for being recognised with the Companion of the Order of Australia medal in today’s King’s Birthday honours.

The Companion of the Order recognises “eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large”.

Professor Robyn Ward, Executive Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor Medicine and Health and a medical oncologist, welcomed Professor Canfell’s award as fitting recognition of her achievements in cancer control in Australia and worldwide.

“The citation describes Karen’s achievements well and it is particularly pleasing to see the importance of teaching and mentoring recognised as keys to improved cancer outcomes,” Professor Ward said.

“Cancer mortality rates in Australia have fallen by more than 20% over the past two decades, with improvements in primary and secondary prevention and early detection driving much of the decline in disease burden.

“Many of the major reforms in policy and practice over that period can be traced to Karen, either through research and analysis she led or through the work of her students and team members who have become leaders themselves.

“Karen is also recognised globally, with her research at the centre of the World Health Organization’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer and Australia’s position as the first country in the world set to achieve that goal by 2035.

“Karen is a visionary, with her research and academic leadership demonstrating how multiple interventions can be utilised to achieve the best outcomes in cancer control as the science evolves. And key to her achievements is her work ethic, devotion and drive.

“We are privileged to have a global and national leader of Karen’s eminence as the Director of the University’s flagship Daffodil Centre.”