Graham Lieschke

Professor Graham Lieschke is a distinguished clinical and research haematologist at Monash University with a dual appointment as a clinical haematologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Internationally recognized for his innovative research using zebrafish and mice models, he specializes in blood disorders and cancer, particularly focusing on leukocyte biology in inflammation and infection.

His educational background includes:

• Medical science and medical degrees from the University of Melbourne (1983)
• Specialist clinical training in medical oncology at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (FRACP 1991)
• PhD at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Melbourne Branch)
• Postdoctoral training at the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Professor Lieschke's research program centers on blood cell development and function, with particular emphasis on leukocytes (neutrophils and macrophages). His work exploits the unique strengths of the zebrafish model in genetics, embryology, and in vivo cell behavior visualization. Key research areas include developmental haematology, genetic causes of neutropenia, leukocyte dysfunction, and leukocyte functional biology in inflammation and infection. His clinical work involves multiple phase 1-3 clinical studies in the treatment and supportive care of leukaemia and lymphoma patients.

Analysis of Professor Lieschke's recent publications reveals a strong focus on neutrophil and macrophage biology using zebrafish models. His research spans immunology, microbiology, and hematology, with particular emphasis on host-pathogen interactions, inflammatory responses, and genetic mechanisms of blood cell development. The work demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach combining genetics, cell biology, and clinical applications.

Professor Lieschke has received numerous prestigious awards:

• John Maynard Hedstrom Research Fellowship of the Cancer Council of Victoria
• Howard Hughes Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for Physicians
• Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship
• NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship
• Ludwig Institute's inaugural George Hodgson Medal for Medical Science
• 2004 Dame Roma Mitchell Churchill Fellowship

As a laboratory head and principal investigator, Professor Lieschke has secured significant research funding through fellowships including NHMRC and Wellcome Trust awards. His research group has made substantial contributions to understanding granulopoiesis and leukocyte function. He has also been actively involved in clinical trials related to haematological malignancies and has co-edited influential books including "Zebrafish: Methods and Protocols" (2009).

Professor Lieschke leads a research team focused on zebrafish models of blood disorders and has been instrumental in developing this model system for haematological research. He served as President of the International Zebrafish Society (2018-2019) and is actively involved in multiple professional societies including the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand and the American Society of Hematology.