A trailblazer in hematology research: David Lillicrap receives Harold R. Roberts Award
David Lillicrap, M.D., wasn’t sure what to expect when he joined the Zoom call. He thought perhaps it was an invitation to give a presentation.
Little did Lillicrap know that the call was to share exciting news: Lillicrap is the recipient of the Harold R. Roberts Award, which honors an individual who has used their time and expertise to support the mission of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC).
“I was completely surprised. I almost fell off my seat,” he recalled with a smile.
A distinguished hematologist and researcher, Lillicrap is highly regarded in the field and has held a variety of ISTH leadership posts over the years. The Roberts Award signifies his meritorious service to the ISTH SSC that goes beyond what is expected and that takes place over a significant period of time.
Lillicrap is Professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at Queen’s University in Canada. He served as ISTH SSC Chair and recently completed a five-year term as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (JTH).
“This recognition is a huge honor for me as I knew Dr. Harold Roberts personally,” Lillicrap shared. “I met him many times and he was a wonderful role model. He committed his life to bleeding disorder treatment and investigation.”
Leading the way in hematology research
Indeed, Lillicrap’s commitment and enthusiasm for the ISTH SSC are evident in his numerous contributions and achievements. As a clinician scientist, Lillicrap’s career spans more than 40 years.
Lillicrap originally trained as an internal medicine clinician. His professional trajectory took a turn when he began clinical hematology training.
“I was training at a time when the very first of the coagulation factor genes were being cloned back in the mid 1980’s. It became very quickly obvious that understanding the genetic characterization of inherited bleeding disorders, and potentially using that information for diagnosis and treatment, was going to be really exciting for the next several decades,” he said.
Lillicrap wanted to be a part of that scientific evolution, and so began a successful research career focused on the molecular science of Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor.
Today, a limited portion of his time is still dedicated to the clinical care of patients, many of whom are referred to his practice through Canada’s national genetic testing center. Nevertheless, Lillicrap’s primary focus—and the majority of his time—focuses on research and academic teaching.
“I love being in an academic center and having interactions with smart people who want to be involved in biomedical science. That's really important for the future of our discipline” he said.
His team recently conducted a large animal model study to examine the use of gene therapy in dogs with hemophilia. Taking place over a span of 12 years, the study indicated that the majority of the treated dogs were cured of their disease for their lifetime.
“The study has helped our understanding about the implementation of gene therapy in humans, which is now beginning to happen,” he said.
He and his research group focus on the investigation of the immune response to FVIII, the development and evaluation of novel therapies for hemophilia A and the characterization of the biology and pathobiology of von Willebrand factor.
After spending nearly four decades in the field, Lillicrap can find levity in his research, too.
“Von Willebrand factor is a huge protein. It's one of the biggest proteins circulating in our blood, whereas Factor VIII circulates in very small quantities. We like to refer to Factor VIII as being the ‘prima donna’ protein that requires von Willebrand factor to be its chaperone,” he said.
Making a difference as an ISTH leader
Lillicrap has had a front row seat to the evolution of the ISTH as an international society over the past 30 years. He has lived through the scientific and technological advancements in the field, noting that he enjoyed making contributions to the field through the SSC, which he refers to as the “backbone of the Society.”
“I remember going to one of my first ISTH congresses in Brussels in the ‘80s. I attended the SSC meeting—I had never been to one of those meetings before and I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “It made a significant impact on me. I remember thinking how interesting and different the SSC was, and I was excited to be part of it.”
He eventually became Chair of the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on von Willebrand Factor and eventually took on the role as Chair of the entire SSC.
“It was a great way to get introduced into activities at a higher level within the Society,” he said. “I got to meet many colleagues who became long-term friends. I encourage those early in their career to get involved and understand how important the work of the SSC is.”
Lillicrap said he has been proud to see the modernization of the ISTH over the years, noting that he particularly admires the Society’s tremendous growth since 2011 spearheaded by Tom Reiser when he became Executive Director. He also highlighted the leadership and support of Cary Clark, Director of Programs and Education, for ensuring that the SSC remains an integral arm of the Society.
“Being part of the ISTH and the SSC has been really critical for my career. Many of the things I have done are built upon my connections with the Society,” he said. “The ISTH has allowed me to meet, interact and collaborate with many individuals around the world. It is truly an international and inclusive organization.”
Lillicrap will accept the Roberts Award at the ISTH 2024 Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. He said he looks forward to continuing his research and contributing to the ISTH.
“The SSC is very close to my heart,” he said. “After being involved in the ISTH for many years, this recognition is an honor and means so much to me.”
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About the Harold R. Roberts Award
The ISTH presents the Harold R. Roberts Award to individuals who have used their time and talents to support the mission of the Society’s Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC). It honors meritorious service that goes beyond what is expected and that takes place over a significant period of time.
The award is named after Harold R. Roberts, an ISTH charter member who served as Secretary General of the SSC from 1978 to 1988. He was a leader, mentor, counselor and scientific diplomat recognized internationally for his fairness, wisdom and devotion to the SSC and the Society. Beginning in 2024, the award is presented annually at the ISTH Congress. View past recipients here. To read the official announcement click here.