Christopher Overall, Associate Member in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Professor in the UBC Faculty of Dentistry, received the Barry Preston Award from the Matrix Biology Society of Australia and New Zealand (MBSANZ).

Dr. Overall, a Canada Research Chair in Metalloproteinase Proteomics and Systems Biology, researches a family of enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases, and the way they regulate cells and the immune system.

Dr. Overall’s laboratory is the only one in Canada — and one of only a few in the world — that is studying the new field of “degradomics” to understand the role of matrix metalloproteinases. This systems biology approach is revealing new roles for proteases in vivo, new diagnostic indicators of disease, and new drug targets to treat disease.

The Barry Preston Award is presented by the MBSANZ annually to a senior researcher in the matrix field. The awardee is an outstanding leader distinguished by a sustained record of achievement, commitment to mentoring new researchers and exceptional communication skills.