Dr Gaynor Davies

The School of Medicine has been shocked and saddened by the death of Dr Gaynor Davies, who suddenly died of cardio-respiratory failure at home in Aberdare, where she lived with her parents. Gaynor had some fantastic achievements during the time that she was associated with the School. A Cardiff graduate in microbiology, Gaynor joined the Cancer Research Wales laboratories based in Velindre Hospital, where she first completed her MPhil in biology. Funded by Cancer Research Wales, she joined the School first on a PhD studentship which she successfully completed with two and half years, followed by a research post in Medicine as a research scientist, then as a Lecturer from 2002.

Gaynor spent virtually all of her research career devoted to the study of prostate cancer. She authored a large number of high-impact peer-reviewed publications, and professional book chapters. Amongst her scientific discoveries, her work on how cytokines contribute to the loss of cell adhesion molecules in prostate cancer won wide recognition in the research community. Gaynor was a high-flying presenter to key conferences in prostate cancer, including the British Prostate Group and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual conferences. She was awarded the Young Investigator's Award by the AACR in 2001. She was also awarded an Investigator's Merit Award by the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) Foundation in February 2005. Her work has also led to her nomination and subsequent place as a finalist of 'Welsh Woman of the Year' in 2002.

As a research scientist, she was highly motivated and innovative and always strove for perfection. She tirelessly helped young researchers and research students, and she was active in disseminating research findings to and communicating with the public. She was a tireless contributor to University Open days, and a supervisor of project pupils from schools.

Gaynor had wide interests in other areas, including teaching and education, and she recently received her Diploma in Management. She was currently undertaking a PGC course in Education. She enjoyed nature rambling, painting, and aerobics.

Gaynor will be deeply missed, and will be remembered with warmth and affection by all her colleagues in the School of Medicine, and by her many friends.

Professor David Wynford-Thomas, Dean of Medicine
Professor Wen G Jiang, Department of Surgery
Professor Malcolm D Mason, Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine

Gaynor Davies was born on 25th August, 1967 to her parents Brinley and Patricia, and died on 5th February 2006