David Thomas

Professor David Thomas is a medical oncologist and clinician-scientist specializing in precision medicine and sarcomas. He serves as the inaugural Director of the Centre for Molecular Oncology at UNSW Sydney and Chief Science and Strategy Officer for Omico. His research focuses on applying genomic technologies to cancer understanding and management, particularly sarcoma. He founded the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group and leads the International Sarcoma Kindred Study, involving 23 global centers.

• Education: Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (University of Melbourne, 1988), PhD (University of Melbourne, 1997), Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (1997).

Research interests include cancer genomics, sarcoma genetics, and precision medicine. He has over 250 publications in journals such as Science, Cancer Cell, and Lancet Oncology. Notable achievements include FDA/TGA approval of denosumab for Giant Cell Tumor of Bone and influencing clinical guidelines via NCCN and AACR.

• Awards: Over 10 years of recognition, including the Desai Thomas Award and NSW Premier’s Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year (2024).

Engagement includes national and international speaking roles, media appearances on ABC Radio National and Australian Story, and leadership in organizations like the Connective Tissue Oncology Society.