PURTON, Louise

Professor Louise Purton (OGC 1986) is an internationally recognised medical researcher and leader in the field of haematology, whose pioneering work has transformed the understanding of blood cell development and disease. She is Professor of Medicine at The University of Melbourne and Head of the Stem Cell Regulation Unit at St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, where she leads a program focused on the regulation of haematopoietic stem cells and their role in blood cancers.

Purton’s research has revealed how Vitamin A and retinoic acid receptors influence stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, with implications for diseases such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia. Her research also revealed that the bone marrow microenvironment has an active role in initiating blood cell diseases and/or facilitating their progression, pioneering a new research field.

Purton’s work has contributed to four clinical trials and has been widely published in leading scientific journals. She has held research fellowships in Australia and the US, including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. She has received numerous honours, including the 2022 McCulloch & Till Award and the 2023 ISEH Leadership in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

Beyond her scientific achievements, Purton is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion in STEMM. She co-founded the Equity in Australian STEMM advocacy team and has led national conversations on gender disparities in research funding. She has served on multiple academic committees and editorial boards, including as Associate Editor of Experimental Hematology.

Living with profound hearing loss since childhood, Purton’s resilience and advocacy have inspired many in the scientific community. Her leadership continues to shape both the future of medical research and the culture of inclusion within it.

At The Geelong College (1983 to 1986) Purton was a Keith House Prefect, Mossgiel House Captain, and School Prefect. She was active in music, sport, and student leadership, and received the Alexander and John Coto Prize for consistent academic effort.

Purton was inducted into the OGCA Notables Gallery in 2025.