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(Presented at the Barossa "Science Amongst the Vines" symposium) |
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The Clifford Prize recognises excellence in Cancer Research globally. The 2005 prize is awarded to Axel Ullrich The Prize represents an appreciation by Australian Scientists of the discoveries that have combined outstanding science with significant clinical relevance. The Prize comprises a Perpetual Trophy and an ad hominem glass sculpture (designed and manufactured by Nick Mount, and donated by Johnson and Johnson). The awardee also receives a magnum of "Grange Hermitage" one of the greatest products of Australia (donated by Penfolds). Because of the notion of recognising the best science with one of the country's best products, the Prize will also be known as the "Shiraz Prize". The presentation of the Prize will always be linked to the scientific symposium series 'Science amongst the Vines' that are held in the Barossa Valley every two years. This conjunction recognises the importance of high-powered small meetings as one of the major drivers of new ideas, gives the possibility for more junior scientists to interact closely with the recipients of the Prize, and emphasises Australia and, in particular, South Australia as a leader in scientific as well as gastronomic innovation. The Prize is named after Bob Clifford, the Chairman of the Council of the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science at a time that this Institute became a leader in promoting scientific research and began driving scientific endeavours in South Australia. This year's prize was awarded by a committee comprising Profs Vadas and Lopez, two of the organisers of the 'Science amongst the Vines' series of symposia, and Prof Robert Sutherland from the Garvan Institute in Sydney and Prof Chris Goodenow from the John Curtin School of Medical Research in Canberra. |
"Discovery leaning on Learning"
The main part of the sculpture represents a seed pod and figuratively refers to the germination of ideas that underlies great discovery. Within the seed pod are white lines representing DNA- the main culprit in cancer, but also a source of continual regeneration. The glass seed pod was made by traditional Italian Zanfirico techniques and the ballottini technique was used to generate the helices. The outside of the seed pod was treated by the battuto method to gain its feeling of cellularity.
The main glass sculpture rests on three books-representing learning, two made of hard steel and one of hand made paper. A jarring wrought iron spike unites the two parts of the sculpture, representing the wounding of the natural harmonies by disease.
The sculpture was designed by Nick Mount, who also manufactured the glass components. Nick Mount is one of Australia's pre-eminent glass artists. In a career spanning three decades his work has combined virtuoso technique with a keen instinct for design, freely adapting traditional Venetian decorative styles to his own distinctive sculptural approach. He is recognised for his commissions, teaching, and exhibitions in Australia, Europe, South America, the United States and Japan and his work is represented in many major public and private collections. The hard steel and paper books and the wrought iron spike were made by South Australian artisans specialising in each material.
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