The Honorary Degree Recipients

Professor Barry James Marshall is a world-renowned medical scientist whose pioneering work on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) revolutionised the global understanding and treatment of gastric diseases. His monumental discovery, made in collaboration with Professor Robin Warren, established that the bacterium H. pylori is the primary cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers. This breakthrough fundamentally overturned decades of medical dogma, charting an entirely new course for the effective treatment of these widespread conditions. For this landmark achievement, Professor Marshall was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2005, a recognition that marked his research as a scientific milestone that brought hope and cure to millions of patients.

Professor Marshall’s exceptional contribution extends well beyond the laboratory. He is a steadfast advocate for translating innovative science into clinical practice, particularly in addressing major global public health challenges, most notably the escalating issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). His philosophy is clear: the ultimate value of scientific research lies in its capacity to solve real-world human health problems. Guided by this principle, he has championed the development and application of cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic methods, effectively enhancing cure rates and mitigating the risks associated with the overuse of antibiotics.

In his talks, such as those titled “Theory and Practice”, Professor Marshall shares the extraordinary journey of the H. pylori discovery and the bacterium’s crucial role in the development of gastritis and gastric cancer. He candidly addresses the contemporary threat of AMR, which is increasingly compromising formerly effective treatment protocols. As a practical solution to this crisis, he highlights his team's innovative diagnostic tool: the “string test”. This simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective method collects gastric samples to directly analyse the bacterial strain’s genotype and its sensitivity to antibiotics. This technology enables precision medicine, allowing doctors to create highly tailored, individualised treatment plans, thereby boosting success rates and helping to curb the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Professor Marshall has also forged an enduring and highly productive relationship with China in the field of medical research. He recognised the immense potential for collaboration and technological exchange between the Australia and China, dedicating himself to fostering this partnership. In acknowledgement of his efforts, he received the prestigious Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2015, one of the nation’s highest honours for foreigners. He was later bestowed the esteemed International Science and Technology Cooperation Award of the People’s Republic of China in 2023, a prize honouring his outstanding contribution to promoting medical exchange and collaboration between Australia and China, particularly in the prevention and control of H. pylori-related gastric cancer.

Currently, Professor Marshall serves as a Professor at Shenzhen University, bringing his invaluable knowledge and experience to China’s research and educational landscape. His presence has significantly elevated the university’s research standards and international influence, providing vital guidance and inspiration to the next generation of Chinese scientists.
 
Professor Marshall’s story is a compelling testament to the spirit of science without borders. Through his practical actions, he has fostered international scientific cooperation and friendship, committing himself to the continuous betterment of human health worldwide. His research and personal dedication undoubtedly encourage more scientists to delve into medical exploration, collectively tackling future health challenges, especially in the crucial field of H. pylori and gastric cancer prevention.

Mr Council Chairman, 

It is a profound honour to present to you Professor Barry James Marshall, a true pioneer of modern medicine. His tenacity and commitment to truth fundamentally reshaped our understanding of human disease, and his work has saved countless lives worldwide. He is a luminary in the field of medicine, an acclaimed researcher, and an unwavering advocate for scientific integrity.

Professor Marshall’s path began in Western Australia, culminating in his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from the University of Western Australia (UWA) in 1974.

In 1981, at the Royal Perth Hospital, Dr Marshall began collaborating with pathologist Dr Robin Warren. Dr Warren had observed spiral-shaped bacteria colonising the stomachs of patients suffering from chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers. This observation directly challenged the long-held medical doctrine that the highly acidic stomach was sterile and that ulcers were caused by stress and diet.

Initial biopsy and culture work were difficult, but a crucial breakthrough occurred in 1982. A laboratory assistant mistakenly left a culture plate incubating for five days instead of the standard two, allowing the slow-growing organism to finally proliferate. This newly identified bacterium was later named Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Despite this discovery, the medical community met their findings with deep scepticism. To provide undeniable proof, Dr Marshall performed a legendary self-experiment in 1984. After confirming his own healthy stomach, he deliberately ingested a broth containing H. pylori. He quickly developed severe gastritis, confirmed by biopsy, and then cured himself completely with a course of antibiotics. This definitive act shattered decades of medical dogma, conclusively proving that H. pylori was the cause of peptic ulcer disease.

The discovery by Dr Marshall and Dr Warren ushered in a true paradigm shift in gastroenterology. Peptic ulcer disease transformed overnight from a chronic, often debilitating condition requiring repeated, expensive treatments or even surgery, into an easily curable infectious disease requiring a simple course of antibiotics.

The profound impact of this work is measured in millions of lives saved, vastly improved quality of life, drastically reduced hospital admissions, and massive, enduring cost savings to global healthcare systems. Furthermore, their research laid the essential groundwork linking H. pylori to gastric cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally, thereby opening new avenues for prevention and screening. 

In 2005, the world recognised the singular importance of this contribution when Professor Marshall and Professor Warren were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine “for their discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.” 

Professor Marshall’s commitment did not end with the Nobel Prize. He has since become a global ambassador for science, promoting the vital importance of basic scientific research and the translation of discoveries into public health benefits, with a particular focus on developing nations where the infection rate remains high.

Professor Marshall is a passionate advocate for scientific education. He continues to inspire future generations through his ongoing research and his roles as the Ambassador for Life Sciences for Western Australia, a Fellow of the Royal Society, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

It is worth noting that Professor Marshall has forged an enduring and highly productive relationship with China in the field of medical research, recognising the immense potential for collaboration and technological exchange. His practical actions exemplify the spirit of science without borders, fostering international cooperation and friendship, and bringing about sustained improvements in human health.

In acknowledgment of his extensive efforts and contributions, he received the prestigious Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2015, one of the Nation's highest honours for foreigners. He was later bestowed the esteemed International Science and Technology Cooperation Award of the People’s Republic of China in 2023, an award honouring his outstanding contribution to promoting medical exchange and collaboration between Australia and China, particularly in the prevention and control of H. pylori-related gastric cancer.

Currently, Professor Marshall serves as a Professor at Shenzhen University, where he brings his invaluable knowledge and experience to China's research and educational landscape. His presence has significantly elevated the University's research standards and international influence, providing vital guidance and inspiration to the next generation of Chinese scientists.
His long list of national and international accolades includes:

• The Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research;
• The Australian Centenary Medal;
• The Australian Medical Association Award;
• The Buchanan Medal, Royal Society;
• The Benjamin Franklin Medal for Life Sciences, Philadelphia;
• The Dr A.H. Heineken Prize for Medicine, Amsterdam; and
• The Florey Medal, Canberra

He was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Science degree by the University of Oxford in 2009, and appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2007.

The profound legacy that Professor Marshall continues to build – one that champions the power of discovery and innovation - aligns perfectly with the innovative and enterprising spirit of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). PolyU prides itself on translational research that positively impacts society, a principle that Professor Marshall has embodied throughout his distinguished career.

He now serves as a Distinguished Honorary Professor in PolyU’s Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and a member of the Expert Advisory Committee for the University’s proposal to establish a third medical school in Hong Kong. The “Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology” recently established by PolyU to advance the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections was named after Professor Marshall.  This is not only in recognition of Professor Marshall's achievements in this area, but also reflects PolyU's aspiration for closer collaboration with him in talent nurturing, research advancement and other strategic initiatives.

Mr Council Chairman, for his courage in pursuing truth, for his monumental discovery that redefined a major human disease, and for his enduring contributions to global health and scientific integrity, it is with the greatest respect and admiration that I present Professor Barry James Marshall, for the conferment of the Degree of Doctor of Science honoris causa.

Council Chairman Dr Lam, President Teng, esteemed members of the Council and Court, distinguished staff, and honoured guests.

Good afternoon. It is with immense gratitude and profound humility that I stand before you today to accept this Doctorate degree. This honour is truly overwhelming, and I want to express my deepest appreciation to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University for this extraordinary recognition.

PolyU is, simply put, an institution that stands apart. It is a genuine beacon of innovation, driving the future through its commitment to applied research and practical solutions. This university does more than just educate; it actively transforms society. From leading breakthroughs in design and engineering to making tangible improvements in healthcare and sustainability, PolyU demonstrates daily how excellence in academia can translate into meaningful, real-world impact for Hong Kong and the global community. The spirit of turning knowledge into action is what makes this place so special, and I am incredibly proud to now be associated with that mission.

This degree represents a partnership with that enduring spirit of discovery. I pledge to honour the values and mission of PolyU in all my future endeavours. For me, this is not a conclusion, but a renewed commitment to giving back to the community and furthering the kind of pioneering work that this university champions.

Thank you once more to the entire governing body, particularly Council Chairman Dr Lam and President Teng, for your leadership and for bestowing upon me this magnificent distinction. I am truly humbled and deeply appreciative.