A world-renowned scientist who has made a pioneering contribution to the field of leukaemia research is to be honoured by Nottingham Trent University.
Professor Alejandro Madrigal, Scientific Director of The Anthony Nolan Trust, will receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science at the university’s awards ceremony on July 18.
The honour recognises not only his outstanding work in advancing bone marrow transplantation and investigating new forms of cellular therapy for leukaemia patients but also his success in steering international research collaborations.
It also reinforces Nottingham Trent University’s own far-reaching strategic partnership with the Charity. Over the past decade, the university’s cancer research experts have worked with Professor Madrigal on a range of EU-funded projects.
This association led to the creation of the first Anthony Nolan Chair of Haemato-oncology and Stem Cell Immunology, held by the late Professor Anthony Dodi. He and Professor Madrigal were instrumental in the development of The Anthony Nolan Cell Therapy Centre at the university’s Clifton campus, the first such facility outside London.
Professor Bob Rees, Dean of the university’s School of Science and Technology, said: “Professor Madrigal is one of the world’s most distinguished scientists in the field of bone marrow transplantation and, more recently, transplantation using cord blood cells. His groundbreaking work at the interface between science and medical practice is helping to advance therapies for cancer patients and transform the field of regenerative medicine.
“It is thanks to Professor Madrigal’s vision and commitment that our university has forged a unique collaboration with The Anthony Nolan Trust, pooling expertise and resources to progress the battle against disease. He is undoubtedly a worthy recipient of an honorary degree.”
Having embarked on his career studying medicine at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Professor Madrigal held a WHO Fellowship at Harvard University, undertook his PhD degree at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund London and undertook a postdoctoral research fellowship at Stanford University.He joined The Anthony Nolan Trust in London as Head of Research in 1993 and was appointed Scientific Director two years later. He was appointed to the Academic Chair of Haematology at the Royal Free and University College Medical School, London University in 1997, and in recognition of his achievements, he was awarded a DSc from London University in 2002.
He played a pivotal role in developing the world’s first bone marrow donor register, which has resulted in the lives of thousands of patients with leukaemia and other haematopoietic disorders being saved. More recently, Professor Madrigal initiated the cord blood programme at The Anthony Nolan Trust and currently leads a group of more than 40 scientists involved in cutting-edge stem cell research.
Among multiple national and international appointments, Professor Madrigal is Chairman and Co-ordinator of AlloStem.This is the largest EU-funded project for immunotherapy, bringing together 29 leading research groups including the School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University.
Professor Madrigal has published widely in prestigious journals and has collected a string of international awards during his career.Last year, he received the Van Bekkum Award for the best medical scientific contribution at the Annual Meeting of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation and the Mexican Government honoured him with the prestigious Ohtli Award.
More recently, Professor Madrigal received the distinction of ‘Academic’ from the National Academy of Medicine in Mexico; the Odessa State Medical University, Ukraine, conferred on him the degree of ‘Doctor Honoris Causa’, and the Scientific Council of the National Research Center, Institute of immunology, Federal Medico-Biological Agency of Russia, awarded him Honorary Membership.
