Dr Bruce Robinson is Professor Medicine and a consultant lung specialist at The University of Western Australia unit at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
He provided medical services in Aceh following the 2005 tsunami and co-developed and taught in disaster-preparedness and health training programs in Indonesia. He undertakes volunteer village and hospital medical work in Indonesia and he co-founded and directs the International Skills and Training Institute in Health, a philanthropic organisation which provides services and training in disaster situations within the Asian region.
Dr Robinson co-leads a large research team studying cancer immunology and asbestos diseases. He has received a number of prestigious awards, including the international Wagner Medal, the Research Medal of the Thoracic Society of Australia and NZ and the Premier's Science Award. The team has made many discoveries, including the first blood test for mesothelioma and have conducted many world-first treatments, including Australia's first cancer gene therapy trial.
He has published more than 150 peer reviewed papers, more than 30 books chapters and two medical books. He regularly speaks at major international meetings and has made numerous media appearances relating to science. He is the co-founder and Director of the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, a pioneering Australian national co-operative whose goal is to cure or prevent asbestos cancers. He Chairs the State Health Research Advisory Council, a peak body with the goal of enhancing research throughout the health sector to improve health.
Dr Robinson has more than 30 years of experience caring for patients with lung diseases, especially asbestos-induced diseases.
He has a strong interest in parenting and as a result he co-founded and directs The Fathering Project, a University-based group aimed at reducing substance abuse, crime, poor school attitudes, bullying, depression and other adolescent problems by trying to fix 'the missing link, tyat is encouraging positive input from fathers or father figures.
He is the author of three widely read books on parenting (Daughters and their Dads, Fathering from the Fast Lane and The Blue Book of Tips for Fathers and Father Figures) and the DVD What Kids Really Need from their Dads.
Dr Robinson has lectured on parenting in five countries, featured on numerous TV and radio programs on these issues, and in newspapers and magazines, and has received a Family Service Award.
Dr Robinson's presentation: Japan - an enduring investment relationship - securing demand for natural resources to drive mutual economic growth.
