**Interview with Barry J. Marshall: Recipient of the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award**
**By: Shihong Gu, Bing Lin**
On June 24, 2023, esteemed Australian medical expert and Nobel laureate Barry J. Marshall received the 2023 China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award. A professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Western Australia, Marshall has a notable history of collaboration with Chinese institutions. In a recent video interview with China News Service, he shared insights into his journey, his research, and his relationship with China.
**China News Service:** Congratulations on your Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine! Can you tell us about your research journey?
**Barry Marshall:** My research journey began in 1981 with pioneering studies on Helicobacter pylori. To demonstrate that this bacterium could survive in the stomach and lead to gastritis—a major factor in peptic ulcers—I even ingested the bacteria myself. This transformative discovery changed our understanding and management of gastric diseases. Robin Warren and I were honored with the Nobel Prize in 2005 for this critical work. Since then, I have concentrated on translating these discoveries into clinical applications to reduce the incidence of Helicobacter pylori-related diseases, particularly stomach cancer. Over the past 40 years, Australia has made significant strides in nearly eradicating stomach cancer, largely due to improved diagnosis and treatment of this bacterium. We developed an efficient breath test for detecting H. pylori infections, and most patients respond well to antibiotic treatment. My focus then shifted to China, where a significant proportion of the world’s stomach cancer cases arise.
**China News Service:** What medical and research projects have you been involved in while in China?
**Barry Marshall:** About ten years ago, my team and I initiated projects in China to diagnose and treat gastric diseases and stomach cancer. I’ve traveled extensively across various cities, engaging in research, treating patients, participating in medical forums, and offering training. We forged collaborative projects with universities in Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guiyang, and Zhengzhou, concentrating on H. pylori research and treatment.
In 2017, I took on the role of visiting professor at Shenzhen University, where Dr. Alfred Tay and I established a microbiology lab and a collection for H. pylori samples. This repository includes strains from all over China, enabling researchers to analyze regional variations and tailor treatment better. This initiative is a valuable resource for medical research at local, national, and global levels.
With backing from Shenzhen University, we received funding from the city government to establish the Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering (MLBE), operating at Nobel standards of excellence while focusing on H. pylori research and innovations in areas like laser technology, endoscopy, and ultrasound. Our sampling line test, a cost-effective method for diagnosing H. pylori, shows great promise for widespread implementation. Dr. Tay has made significant contributions to our projects in China.
Beyond researching cancer-related genetics and new treatments, I’ve partnered with a local business in Shenzhen to translate our research into tangible products. The Shenzhen city government’s support for foundational scientific research and product development has been instrumental in boosting local production and export efforts.
At the Marshall Center at the University of Western Australia, we not only offer specialized H. pylori programs but also conduct a master’s course in infectious diseases, training numerous scientists who contribute to or establish leading research centers in China and beyond.
Since 2017, with the support of the Australia-China Foundation, I have invited 2 to 5 Chinese scholars each year to the H. pylori research lab at UWA for advanced training. These intense programs equip scholars with expertise in the field, enabling some to establish laboratories in their hometowns to enhance healthcare resources in underserved areas, particularly in western China. I am optimistic that we could see the eradication of stomach cancer in China within the next two decades.
**China News Service:** What do the Friendship Award in 2015 and this year’s China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award mean to you?
**Barry Marshall:** Receiving the Friendship Award in 2015 acknowledged my team’s collaboration with Chinese research institutions and healthcare providers. The International Science and Technology Cooperation Award I received this year emphasizes China’s dedication to international collaboration and scientific advancement. It signifies that our endeavors to promote scientific research and application in China are making real impacts, raising public awareness about H. pylori, and encouraging healthcare professionals to focus on this pathogen. I clearly recall the mix of excitement and nervousness I felt when I received the award at the Great Hall of the People. This award represents a milestone for me, akin to receiving the Nobel Prize—it’s not just personal recognition but also a testament to the efforts of all the researchers and institutions involved in our collaborations.
On August 15, the Chinese Consul General in Perth hosted a reception in my honor for receiving the 2023 International Science and Technology Cooperation Award, describing me as a model for Australia-China scientific collaboration.
**China News Service:** What do you believe are the main challenges and opportunities in Australia-China medical collaboration?
**Barry Marshall:** There are notable differences in healthcare systems and research methodologies between China and Australia, which necessitate ongoing adaptation in our collaborations. We’re continually addressing funding allocation and management for our joint projects, making sure to utilize our resources effectively.
Additionally, uncertainties in international relations can hinder Australia-China medical cooperation. However, I believe that the progress of science relies on objective evidence and data, which transcends national borders.
I’ve consistently stressed the importance of stomach cancer research and plan to launch gastric sample testing and colon cancer monitoring initiatives in China. I am confident that in the next 20 years, we will see advancements in cancer treatments that have fewer side effects and are more accessible.
The future of healthcare lies in precision medicine and personalized treatments. At the Marshall Center, we remain committed to foundational scientific research and innovative diagnostics. Given our established partnerships in China and the high prevalence of stomach diseases there, China is an invaluable partner for us.
**China News Service:** Could you briefly introduce the upcoming 22nd International Conference on Helicobacter and Microaerophilic Bacteria (CHRO2024) that you will be hosting?
**Barry Marshall:** The 22nd International Conference on Helicobacter and Microaerophilic Bacteria (CHRO2024) is scheduled for October 7 to 9 this year in Perth. This conference commemorates the 40th anniversary of my groundbreaking research paper and will primarily focus on the latest advancements in microbiology and genomics.
Moreover, this event aims to foster international scientific collaboration, providing researchers with opportunities to present their work, broaden their professional networks, and establish new partnerships. I’m thankful for the support from the Australia-China Relations Fund, which will help bring several Chinese scholars to this conference, and I hope to secure even more support to involve additional Chinese healthcare professionals in this international event.
**Interviewee Profile:**
Barry J. Marshall is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He serves as the honorary president of the Australia-China Friendship Association in Western Australia. In 2005, he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Robin Warren. Over the past four decades, his groundbreaking research and innovative diagnostic tools have dramatically reduced the incidence of stomach cancer in Australia. In 2011, he became a foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2015. In June 2024, he was honored with the 2023 International Science and Technology Cooperation Award at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
