The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) is an inclusive organization with a global perspective, providing a valuable platform for scholars from around the world to engage, interact, and collaborate. Dr. David Lillicrap, a professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at Queen's University in Canada, was honored with the Harold R. Roberts Award at the ISTH 2024 meeting. This award recognizes individuals who have steadfastly supported the mission of the ISTH Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC) through selfless dedication and expertise. As an outstanding hematologist and researcher, Dr. Lillicrap enjoys high acclaim in the field and has held several leadership positions within ISTH, including the Chair of the ISTH SSC. The Roberts Award not only acknowledges his exceptional service to the ISTH SSC but also celebrates his extraordinary dedication and lasting contributions.

Leading the Wave of Hematology Research

Dr. Lillicrap has amassed extensive research experience over more than forty years in academia. Moreover, he has been an active participant and leader in the evolution of ISTH. He first attended the ISTH conference in Brussels, Belgium, in the early 1980s, deeply influenced by the essence of the SSC meetings. Subsequently, he served as the chair of the ISTH SSC von Willebrand factor (vWF) subcommittee and later ascended to the SSC chair, contributing exceptional leadership to the organization. Dr. Lillicrap has always been committed to encouraging young scholars to participate in ISTH activities and highly values the work outcomes of the SSC, demonstrating his firm commitment and profound passion for the ISTH SSC.

Originally trained as an internist, Dr. Lillicrap’s career trajectory shifted as he delved deeper into the field of clinical hematology. In the mid-1980s, when coagulation factor genes began to be successfully cloned, Dr. Lillicrap astutely recognized the genetic characteristics of hereditary bleeding disorders’ immense importance for diagnosis and treatment over the ensuing decades. This realization fueled his determination to focus on the molecular science of FVIII and vWF. Currently, Dr. Lillicrap still dedicates part of his clinical work to serving patients at the Canadian National Gene Testing Center, but his primary focus and the majority of his time are devoted to scientific research and academic education.

Recently, Dr. Lillicrap’s research team completed a large-scale animal model study after 12 years of in-depth research, focusing on gene therapy applications in hemophilia dogs. The study demonstrated that most treated individuals could maintain a cured state throughout their life span. This research not only significantly enhanced our understanding of the gene therapy implementation process but also marked the beginning of a new era in gene therapy. Additionally, Dr. Lillicrap and his team are dedicated to researching the immune response to FVIII, developing and evaluating new therapies for hemophilia A, and elucidating the biological and pathological characteristics of vWF.

About the Harold R. Roberts Award

The Harold R. Roberts Award is named after Harold R. Roberts, one of the founding members of ISTH, who served as the Secretary-General of the SSC from 1978 to 1988. He was a distinguished leader, seasoned mentor, professional consultant, and exceptional scientific diplomat. His impartiality, wisdom, and outstanding contributions to the SSC and the society have garnered widespread international recognition. Starting in 2024, this award will be presented annually at the ISTH conference.