At the 2018 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Lymphatics in Barga, Italy, Dr. Peter Mortimer (at right in above photo) was presented with a LE&RN-GRC Lifetime Achievement Award and Dr. Pia Ostergaard (at left in above photo) was presented with a LE&RN-GRC Career Achievement Award. Both researchers are affiliated with Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's, University of London.

Dr. Mortimer's research focuses on lymphatic science, with emphasis on breast-cancer-related lymphedema/lymphoedema (LE), the genetic basis of LE (Professor Mortimer's research group has been instrumental in locating the genes for five different forms of inheritable LE - more than any other group worldwide), and understanding the role of lymphatics in metastatic melanoma.

Dr Ostergaard’s research group has focused on the genetic causes of lymphatic failure. Finding the genetic causes of lymphatic dysfunction in primary LE increases the understanding of the development of the lymphatic system, and results feed into basic research on the lymphovascular system. The identification of further disease-causing genes is crucial in understanding the molecular pathways and mechanisms involved in disease pathogenesis, and will ultimately lead to the formation of novel and more effective treatments.

The LE&RN-GRC Lifetime and Career Achievement Awards in Lymphatic Research are given in the name of Wendy Chaite, Founder and Dr. Stanley G. Rockson, Founding Chair of LE&RN’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Council, and presented every two years at the Gordon Research Conference, Lymphatics. These awards are intended to recognize those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the promotion and support of lymphatic research, to advancing lymphatic research and/or finding improved treatments and cures for lymphatic diseases, LE, lipedema, and related disorders.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual with a lifetime of outstanding achievements in the field of lymphatics and who must have a career spanning over 20 years. The Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual with a career 20 years or fewer and who has demonstrated significant achievements in the field.