Mark I. Greene, D.Sc., May 15, 2009

Mark I. Greene
M.D., Ph.D.(Man.); F.R.C.R

Dr. Mark Greene graduated in Medicine in 1972 and later earned a PhD in Immunology from the University of Manitoba while also undertaking postgraduate clinical training leading to certification and Fellowship in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. From 1973 to 1977 he held a Medical Research Council Fellowship at Manitoba and Harvard; and, from 1978 to 1986 he served consecutively as a Professor of Pathology at Harvard and Professor of Medicine and Head of Rheumatology/Immunology at Tufts University. Dr. Green also served as a clinical consultant in Medicine at the Dana Farber Cancer Centre from 1980 to 1986. In 1986 he moved to the University of Pennsylvania as a Professor of Pathology where he headed the basic research unit in immunology. He headed fundamental research at the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center. Dr. Greene currently serves as director of the Division of immunology, the John Eckman Professor of Medical Sciences and Vice-Chair of Pathology.

Mark Greene's outstanding talents and creativity as a scientist were clearly evident in his early years as a student and in postdoctoral studies when he worked with Nobel Laureate Baruj Benacerraf. His early potential has been fully realized throughout a brilliant career at the forefront of biomedical science. He is a pre-eminent leader in the field of cancer biology un general and in the molecular mechanisms underlying the immunological aspects of cancer pathogenesis in particular. His work on defining the principles of cellular receptor function includes seminal contributions to our understanding of how cancer genes lead breast cells to become malignant. His discoveries led to the identification of novel approaches to both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. They formed the basis for the development of specific therapeutic agents such as the anti-cancer drug Erbutux, for improved techniques for radiation therapy in head and neck cancers, and for the development of Herceptin for the treatment of breast cancer. In each of the areas he has worked, his discoveries have changed the way the field has evolved.

Mark Greene has authored or co-authored over 400 publications and has served as a reviewer and editor of the most prestigious journals in his field. His energy and productivity continue unabated as evidenced by his recent publications on epi-genetics and immune regulation. The large number of fellows trained in his laboratory includes many who have achieved distinction in their own right.

His stature as a scientist and his service on major committees and boards and as an advisor to leading cancer centres have garnered Dr. Greene many awards and distinctions including appointment as the Newton Abraham Professor, the award of a Master of Arts (Hon) and appointment as Trustee, Dunn School, Lincoln College Trust (all of Oxford University); and latterly the Allyn Taylor Prize and the Cotlove Award.

-citation delivered by mentor, Dr. Kent HayGlass, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba