Newcastle researcher Professor Peter Gibson* has been named a finalist in the national GlaxoSmithKline Award for Research Excellence (ARE).

Professor Gibson, a staff specialist at John Hunter Hospital and Co-Director of the University of Newcastle's Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Disease, was nominated by colleagues for his breadth of research into chronic respiratory diseases.

His work has led to major advances in treatments and care for people suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic cough.

Professor Gibson’s clinical research team is leading three groundbreaking projects that could revolutionise the treatment of asthma.

These specific projects involve better management of asthma in pregnancy, the development of a blood test to diagnose the disease and the treatment of non-eosinophilic asthma with macrolide antibiotics.

Now in its 32nd year, the Award for Research Excellence includes an $80,000 research grant and recognises outstanding achievements in medical research.

A record 50 nominations were submitted for the 2012 award and 11 finalists selected.

Judged by an independent panel of ARE alumni and other leading Australian researchers, the 2012 recipient of Award for Research Excellence will be announced on Tuesday 11 September at the Melbourne Museum.

* Professor Peter Gibson is a Hunter New England Health respiratory specialist and Conjoint Professor at the University of Newcastle.

He is Co-Director of the University’s Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Disease and conducts research in collaboration with the HMRI Viruses, Infections/Immunity, Vaccines and Asthma (VIVA) Research Program.

HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and the community.

• Learn more about Professor Gibson's important work here  
• Read about Professor Gibson's asthma management program for pregnant women here 
• Read about Professor Gibson's AMAZES study - the biggest study into non-eosinophilic asthma in the world - here