Professor Des Richardson Honored for Long-Standing Leadership in Chelation Science

October 2025 - Paphos, Cyprus

At the International Conference on Oncology and Anticancer Research, Professor Des R. Richardson received a historic distinction: the Award Recognizing Long-Standing Leadership as President of the International Society of Chelators and Metals (ISOCAM).

This recognition marks a milestonet, it is the only award ever presented in the 31-year history of the International Conference on Chelation.

A Lifetime of Leadership in Metal Biology

Professor Richardson has been at the forefront of research into metal metabolism and chelation therapy for over three decades. His pioneering work has shaped how scientists understand the complex roles of iron, copper, and other transition metals in cancer biology, neurodegeneration, and infectious disease.

As President of ISOCAM, he has unified global researchers exploring the therapeutic modulation of metals — a field central to both oncology and pharmacology. Under his leadership, ISOCAM has grown into an internationally recognized hub fostering collaboration between chemists, biologists, and clinicians developing next-generation chelators and metallodrugs.

Transforming Metal Research into Cancer Innovation

Beyond organizational leadership, Professor Richardson’s scientific contributions are profound. His laboratory’s development of novel metal-binding compounds has led to candidate therapeutics that not only regulate dysregulated metal homeostasis but also target cancer-promoting pathways, including NDRG1-mediated suppression of metastasis.

These breakthroughs have advanced the field from fundamental metal biology to translational oncology, positioning metal-targeting therapeutics as a promising new class of anti-cancer agents.

A Rare Honor for a Singular Career

The presentation of this award by the International Conference on Oncology and Anticancer Research recognizes not only Professor Richardson’s visionary scientific impact, but also his enduring mentorship, collaborative spirit, and commitment to elevating global metal research standards.

As the first and only award in the conference’s long history, it stands as a testament to his unparalleled leadership and enduring influence on the international chelation and cancer research communities.