John George Lock

Dr. John George Lock is a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Cancer Systems Microscopy lab within the Department of Pharmacology at the School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW). He also serves as Associate Director of Research for the School of Biomedical Sciences, Deputy Chair of the School's Research Strategy Committee, and Chair of the HDR review panel. Dr. Lock is affiliated with multiple research networks including the UNSW Artificial Intelligence Institute, Data Science Hub, and AI & Data Science Network, as well as the Garvan Institute of Medical Research Imaging Platform Strategic Advisory Committee.

Dr. Lock earned his PhD from the Institute for Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland (2001-2006), preceded by First Class Honours in Biochemistry (2000-2001) and a BSc in Biochemistry (1997-2000). His postdoctoral research began at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm with fellowships from the Wenner-Gren Foundation and Swedish Cancer Foundation. He was accelerated to Assistant Professor for pioneering Systems Microscopy and leading a 9-person multidisciplinary team before returning to Australia to work with Professor Katharina Gaus at UNSW.

Dr. Lock's research centers on Systems Microscopy, an innovative approach that integrates imaging-based methods with computational analysis to advance cancer treatment outcomes. His Cancer Systems Microscopy (CSM) lab focuses on three main areas: Precision Diagnostics using automated multiplexed quantitative imaging of circulating tumor cells; Targeted Therapies through novel high-content strategies for drug discovery; and Fundamental Insights into cancer progression mechanisms. The CSM lab has established collaborations with fundamental and translational cancer researchers, clinicians, commercial technology developers, and data science experts, creating a truly multidisciplinary ecosystem.

Analysis of Dr. Lock's extensive publication record reveals a strong focus on advancing cancer diagnostics and treatment through the integration of imaging technologies and artificial intelligence. His work consistently bridges fundamental cell biology with clinical applications, particularly in prostate cancer and metastasis research. A significant trend across his recent publications involves developing computational methods to analyze cell state plasticity, tumor heterogeneity, and signaling pathways using advanced imaging techniques.

• Eva & Alex Wallestroms Foundation Award (2008)
• Karolinska Institute Young Researcher Award (2010)
• Ramaciotti Biomedical Research Award (2017)
• Finalist in Shenzhen Innovation & Entrepreneurship International Competition (Australasia), 3rd place (2021)
• UNSW Scientia Fellow (2023)

Dr. Lock actively supervises research students as Primary supervisor of 4 HDR students and Joint Supervisor of 1 HDR student. His grant portfolio demonstrates substantial funding success, with recent awards including NHMRC Ideas grants (2024), an NHMRC Equipment Grant (2024), a UNSW Scientia Fellowship (2023-2027), and multiple NHMRC and ARC grants spanning from 2016 to present. These grants support his work on liquid biopsy for personalized medicine, AI-driven image analysis, and drug discovery platforms. Dr. Lock co-founded the Systems Microscopy Australia Network and co-organizes the Functional High Throughput Technologies Australia meeting, demonstrating leadership in building national research capacity.

The Cancer Systems Microscopy lab operates as a cutting-edge facility that has grown significantly since its initiation in 2018. Dr. Lock helped conceive and fund Australia's first dedicated Systems Microscopy facility with $2.5M funding from the Australian Research Council and the Ramaciotti Biomedical Research Award. The lab's multidisciplinary team integrates expertise in cell biology, microscopy, statistics, machine learning, and data visualization to tackle complex cancer research questions. The CSM lab has established strategic partnerships with the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, PeterMacCallum Cancer Centre, and various commercial technology developers, creating a robust ecosystem for translating basic research into clinical applications.