Ian E. Alexander

Professor Alexander is a physician-scientist with pediatric sub-specialty training in genetic/metabolic disease and over 25 years research experience in the gene therapy field. He heads the Gene Therapy Research Unit within the Children’s Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network in Australia, where he also holds appointments as a Senior Staff Specialist and Director of Laboratory Research. Since undertaking post-doctoral studies in the United States, he has pursued a primary interest in virus mediated gene transfer, particularly to the pediatric liver, with a strong translational focus on metabolic disease. Through these activities he has confronted the translational challenges involved in moving research from the laboratory bench through to early-phase clinical trials, including the GMP manufacture of recombinant viral vectors and engagement with the commercial sector

He is recognized internationally for significant basic and applied contributions to the science of gene transfer and experimental gene therapeutics, and in 2015 was appointed a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Science, in recognition of contributions to the establishment of the gene therapy field in Australia.

In 2022 he was awarded the Peter Wills Medal by Research Australia for his outstanding long-term contribution to building Australia’s international reputation in the areas of health and biomedical research.