The University of Western Australia’s Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall has been honoured with one of China’s most prestigious awards, in recognition of his work promoting scientific and technological cooperation between China and Australia.

"His commitment to sharing knowledge through public lectures and virtual conferences has also raised public awareness and educated countless healthcare professionals, further solidifying his legacy in the global scientific community."

Professor Anna Nowak, UWA Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)

The China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award is the nation’s highest scientific honour for non-national individuals and institutions.

Professor Marshall is the fifth Australian, and second UWA academic after Adjunct Professor Franco Pirajno in 2015, to receive the international award. 

Image: Professor Barry Marshall outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing after receiving his award.

Recognised globally for his groundbreaking discovery of the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium and its association with peptic ulcer diseases, Professor Marshall's innovative research has revolutionised the understanding and treatment of stomach ulcers and related conditions. 

After successfully reducing H. pylori prevalence to less than 15 per cent in Australia, he shifted his focus to China, which accounts for half of the world’s gastric cancer cases, leading significant projects like the semi-automatic Helicobacter pylori culturing system and large-scale clinical trials.

His efforts have played a crucial role in enhancing medical diagnostics and treatment methods in China, including the establishment of key research centres and partnerships, such as the Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering at Shenzhen University and collaborations with top medical institutions.

Since 2017 Professor Marshall has hosted visiting doctors, technicians, and scholars from China at the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training at UWA to learn about H. pylori research.

His engagement with China also includes his honorary membership in the Foreign Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and as a recipient of the prestigious China Friendship Award. 

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) at UWA, Professor Anna Nowak said Professor Marshall’s dedication to fostering scientific exchange and collaboration had been pivotal in advancing medical research and technology in China.

“His commitment to sharing knowledge through public lectures and virtual conferences has also raised public awareness and educated countless healthcare professionals, further solidifying his legacy in the global scientific community,” Professor Nowak said.

Professor Marshall accepted the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award at today’s ceremony attended by Chinese State leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

In his acceptance speech he said he was deeply honoured, describing the award as a testament to the incredible teamwork, dedication, and innovation that had driven collective efforts in advancing medical science.