Professor John Rasko is a clinical haematologist, pathologist and eminent researcher who is pioneering cell and gene therapy. In addition to driving innovation in gene and cell therapies for rare diseases, he established the clinical, regulatory and manufacturing foundations for this cutting-edge approach to medicine in Australia. He translated new science into successful world-first clinical trials for haemophilia, thalassaemia, and blood cancers at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and has made paradigm-shifting discoveries in molecular biology.

Rasko has also advanced research governance, ethics, and policy development – including contributing to mitochondrial donation laws and serving as long-standing chair of the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee. He also served as president of the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy and delivered the highly prestigious ABC Boyer Lectures in 2018.

John Rasko works in the emerging sector of advanced therapeutic medicinal products, specifically cell and gene therapies. His cross-sector obligations include biopharma, biotech and manufacturing industries, the public sector, government, academic and biomedical/clinical research. As a practicing clinical haematologist and pathologist, he has first-hand involvement of sector priorities and client needs. As a principal investigator and Deputy Director of a biomedical research institute, he has made direct contributions to research governance and ethics. Commitments to national & international regulatory committees and organisations add to the diversity of his professional career.