Prestigious honour for Professor Peter Browett, Past President of the New Zealand Society for Haematology

 

HSANZ congratulates Waipapa Taumata Rau Professor Peter Browett (University of Auckland) on receiving the Excellence in Innovative Medicines Research Award from Medicines New Zealand, presented at the Grand Hall of Parliament on 14 August.

This award recognises Prof Browett’s more than 35 years of contributions to blood cancer research and clinical care.

Prof Browett holds a number of senior roles, including Professor of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Co-Director of the University’s Centre for Cancer Research, Haematologist and Clinical Research Lead at Auckland Hospital, Co-Director of the Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Research Unit, Trustee of the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG), Medical Director for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ, and Clinical Director of the Auckland Regional Biobank and Grafton Clinical Genomics.

Prof Browett has had a long association with HSANZ, serving as President of the New Zealand Society for Haematology (1996–1998) and as the HSANZ Pitney Fellow in 2017–2018. He has been directly involved in the development of several new treatments for blood cancers, and in 2023, the ALLG recognised his substantial contributions with Life Membership.

Since beginning his work as a haematologist at Auckland Hospital in the 1990s—when only a small number of clinical trials were available—Prof Browett has been instrumental in transforming access to clinical research. He played a central role in expanding trial activity across New Zealand, and in 2016 helped establish an early phase clinical trials unit, a joint initiative between Auckland Hospital and the University of Auckland. His collaborations with the UK National Cancer Research Institute and the ALLG have further broadened opportunities for New Zealand patients to access innovative therapies.

Prof Browett is also an advocate for equitable access to medicines, working to ensure new therapies are funded and available to patients who may benefit. As he notes:

“Clinical trials improve outcomes for patients – that’s the only way you’re going to advance knowledge.”

Prof Browett’s career exemplifies HSANZ’s mission — advancing haematology through research, collaboration, advocacy, and leadership — and reflects the Society’s commitment to improving outcomes for patients with blood disorders.

HSANZ congratulates Prof Browett on this well-deserved recognition of his significant contributions to haematology and the blood cancer community.

A/Prof Hui-Peng Lee                                  Dr Annette Neylon

President                                                    Vice President & NZ Councillor