Nobel laureate has lesson for all graduates

Graduations

Nobel laureate and University of Adelaide graduate Dr J. Robin Warren has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University.

Dr Warren, who graduated in medicine from Adelaide in 1961, was last month awarded a Doctor of the University (honoris causa) at one of the four mid-year graduation ceremonies.

More than 900 students graduated at the four ceremonies over two days, with Dr Warren also the guest speaker at one of the ceremonies on 1 August.

Dr Warren, who received the 2005 Nobel Prize for Medicine with colleague Professor Barry Marshall, was awarded the honorary degree for his distinguished achievement as a scholar and his contribution to society in physiology and medicine.

His discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease revolutionised the treatment of this major medical problem.

The research was for some time regarded with scepticism but was finally accepted by the medical community.

"Dr Warren's contribution to the world in the field of medicine is now widely recognised but his persistence and determination in achieving this distinction is a wonderful lesson for our graduates who are just starting their own careers," said University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha.

"The University of Adelaide is extremely proud of our graduate, Dr Warren, and pleased we are able to show our appreciation and respect by awarding him an honorary doctorate."

The other prominent speakers at the July-August graduation ceremonies were: Coles Myer Chairman Rick Allert, Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education the Hon. Paul Caica, and Port Adelaide Football Club Chief Executive Officer John James.