Susan Clark

Professor Susan Clark is an internationally recognized researcher in cancer epigenetics and epigenomics, currently serving as NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow and Research Director of the Epigenetics Laboratory at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, Australia. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) since 2008. Her groundbreaking work includes developing bisulphite sequencing methods that revolutionized epigenetic research.

• Education: PhD (1982, University of Adelaide), BScHons (1978) and BSc (1977) in Biochemistry from Australian National University.

Research Interests: Clark’s research focuses on epigenetic processes in cancer, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and 3D chromatin organization. Her lab investigates how epigenomic deregulation contributes to cancer etiology, particularly in prostate and breast cancers, and explores translational applications like biomarker validation and epigenetic therapies.

Scientific Awards:

• 2020: Elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (FAHMS)
• 2019: NSW Premiers Prize for Excellence in Medical Biological Sciences
• 2017: Ramaciotti Foundation National Medal of Excellence
• 2015: Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA)
• 2012: Rotary Award for Vocational Excellence
• 2004: German Science Prize 'Biochemisch Analytik Preis'

Grants: Current NHMRC Ideas Grants (2023–2025 and 2022–2024) on 3D cancer genome regulation. Previously held multiple NHMRC Principal and Senior Principal Research Fellowships.

Labs & Leadership: Founded and led the Australian Epigenetics Alliance (AEpiA) and directed the Epigenetics Laboratory at Garvan. Served on international committees like the NIH Epigenome Roadmap steering committee and IHEC management committee.