The University of Western Australia is saddened by the loss of distinguished Nobel Laureate Emeritus Professor Robin Warren AC, who was aged 87.

Professor Warren and Professor Barry Marshall AC were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2005.

Their work on the bacterial basis for stomach ulcers revolutionised the treatment of gastro-duodenal ulcers, by enabling an antibiotic cure, and has led to a significant reduction worldwide in the prevalence of gastric cancer.

They were the first recipients of a Nobel Prize to be awarded for research undertaken in Western Australia.  In addition to the numerous scientific awards for their work on Helicobacter pylori they received Australia’s highest civilian honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said the University extended its condolences to the Warren family and his friends and colleagues.

“Our University is very proud of Robin Warren and the difference that he and Barry Marshall’s research has made to the lives of millions of people around the world," Professor Chakma said.

“Robin was a medical pioneer and along with Barry, he defied his detractors, dedicating himself to prove a theory that resulted in greater global health outcomes.”

Image: Professor Robin Warren and Professor Barry Marshall.

UWA renamed its medical library the J.Robin Warren Library in 2017, acknowledging his past impact as well as future inspiration to students working and studying in an educational facility named in his honour.

Born in Adelaide, Professor Warren graduated in 1961 with a degree in medicine from the University of Adelaide before becoming a pathologist. He took up a pathology position at Royal Perth Hospital in 1968 where he began collaborating with Professor Marshall in 1981.

Image above: The J. Robin Warren Library at UWA’s Health Campus