Dr. Nelly Auersperg, a renowned cancer researcher and a true pioneer in her field, has left an indelible mark on the scientific community with her remarkable six-decade-long career. Born in Vienna in 1928, Dr. Auersperg's life was marked by both privilege and hardship, as she navigated the tumultuous landscape of war, revolution, and loss.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Auersperg persevered, eventually making her way to Vancouver where she earned her MD degree from the University of Washington and her PhD from the University of British Columbia. Her dedication to cervical and ovarian cancer research led to the publication of over 200 research papers and the mentorship of numerous students, post-doctoral fellows, and lab technicians, whom she lovingly referred to as her "children."
what were dr. nelly auersperg's contributions to cancer research
Dr. Nelly Auersperg was a renowned cancer researcher who dedicated her career to understanding and combating cervical and ovarian cancer. Her contributions to the field were multifaceted and significant, spanning over six decades. Here are some key aspects of her work: Pioneering Research in Cervical and Ovarian Cancer: Dr. Auersperg was a pioneer in her field, publishing over 200 research papers and mentoring numerous students, post-doctoral fellows, and lab technicians. Her research focused on the biology of cervical and ovarian cancer, including the development of early detection markers and the relationships between tubal and ovarian carcinogenesis13. Establishment of Culture Methods for Ovarian Surface Epithelium: Dr. Auersperg developed methods to culture ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), which was a crucial step in understanding the biology of ovarian cancer. This work allowed for the study of the regulation of OSE growth and differentiation, as well as the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation that occurs during ovarian cancer development3. Investigation of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT): Dr. Auersperg's research explored the role of EMT in cancer progression, particularly in ovarian cancer. EMT is a process where epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics, allowing them to invade and metastasize. Her work highlighted the importance of EMT in ovarian cancer development and its potential as a therapeutic target2. Mentorship and Education: Dr. Auersperg was a dedicated mentor, guiding over 60 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in their research careers. Her students went on to have successful careers in medicine, research, and biotechnology3. Awards and Recognition: Dr. Auersperg received numerous awards for her contributions to cancer research, including the Terry Fox Cancer Research Scientist Award, the Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, and the Nelly Auersperg Award in Women’s Health Research3. Continued Research and Publication: Even after her retirement at age 80, Dr. Auersperg remained actively involved in research, publishing or co-authoring 25 refereed journal articles on ovarian cancer3. Dr. Nelly Auersperg's contributions to cancer research were significant, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists and researchers in the field.what were some of dr. nelly auersperg's most significant research findings
Dr. Nelly Auersperg's research contributions were extensive and significant, spanning over six decades in cervical and ovarian cancer research. Some of her most notable findings include: Establishment of Culture Methods for Ovarian Surface Epithelium: Dr. Auersperg developed methods to culture ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), which was crucial for understanding the biology of ovarian cancer. This work allowed for the study of the regulation of OSE growth and differentiation, as well as the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation that occurs during ovarian cancer development123. Investigation of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT): Dr. Auersperg's research explored the role of EMT in cancer progression, particularly in ovarian cancer. EMT is a process where epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics, allowing them to invade and metastasize. Her work highlighted the importance of EMT in ovarian cancer development and its potential as a therapeutic target23. Early Detection Markers and Relationships between Tubal and Ovarian Carcinogenesis: Dr. Auersperg's research focused on the development of early detection markers for cervical and ovarian cancers. Her work also investigated the relationships between tubal and ovarian carcinogenesis, which contributed to a deeper understanding of the disease12. Mentorship and Education: Dr. Auersperg was a dedicated mentor, guiding over 60 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in their research careers. Her students went on to have successful careers in medicine, research, and biotechnology12. Publication and Awards: Dr. Auersperg published over 200 research papers and received numerous awards for her contributions to cancer research, including the Terry Fox Cancer Research Scientist Award, the Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, and the Nelly Auersperg Award in Women’s Health Research124. Dr. Nelly Auersperg's research was groundbreaking, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists and researchers in the field of cancer research.what were some of dr. nelly auersperg's most cited research papers
Dr. Nelly Auersperg's most cited research papers are not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results. However, based on the information available, it can be inferred that her research focused on ovarian cancer, particularly on the biology of ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) and the role of E-cadherin in ovarian neoplastic progression. Some of her notable research papers include: "Ovarian surface epithelium: biology, endocrinology, and pathology" (2001) - This paper reviewed the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the control of normal and neoplastic OSE cell growth, differentiation, and expression of indicators of neoplastic progression2. "E-cadherin induces mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition in human ovarian surface epithelium" (1999) - This study found that E-cadherin restored some normal characteristics of OSE, such as keratin, and it also induced epithelial-differentiation markers associated with weakly preneoplastic, metaplastic OSE and OSE-derived primary carcinomas, suggesting an unexpected role for E-cadherin in ovarian neoplastic progression2. "Increased E-cadherin expression in ovarian surface epithelium: an early step in metaplasia and dysplasia?" (1997) - This research suggested that the morphologic variation of OSE reflects differences in E-cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion, and the appearance of this adhesion molecule in columnar OSE may represent an early step in the increased commitment to epithelial phenotypes that accompanies metaplasia and neoplastic progression2. These papers, along with her other research contributions, have likely contributed to her significant citation count of 15682. 
At the age of ninety-four, Dr. Nelly Auersperg passed away on 15 January.
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| Nelly's father Viktor. |
Born on 13 December 1928 at Vienna, Baroness Nelly Gutmann was the only daughter of Baron Viktor Gutmann von Gelse und Belišće (1891-1946) and Luise Bloch-Bauer (1907-1998), who wed in 1927. Nelly was later joined by a younger brother, Baron Francis Gutmann (1934-2014). Their father Viktor was an industrialist.
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| Nelly's great-aunt Adele, circa 1920. |
Nelly's paternal grandparents were Baron Alfred Gutmann von Gelse und Belišće (1857-1919) and Ottilie Pollak von Rudin (1864-1921). Her maternal grandparents were Gustav Bloch (1862–1938) and Marie Therese Bauer (1874–1961). Nelly's great-aunt was Adele Bloch-Bauer, who was painted by Gustav Klimt and whose story was told in the 2015 film The Woman in Gold, starring Helen Mirren, who portrayed Nelly's cousin Maria Altmann.
On 30 May 1955 at Vancouver, Baroness Nelly von Gutmann married Prince Johannes "John" von Auersperg (1930-2017), a son of Prince Eduard von Auersperg (1893-1948) and Countess Sofie von Clam und Gallas (1900-1980). The couple were married for sixty-two years. John and Nelly had two children: Princess Maria Elisabeth (b.1956; married David Harris) and Prince Eduard "Edward" Viktor (b.1958; married Nancy Andrews).
Here is the obituary of Dr. Nelly Auersperg from the Vancouver Sun:
AUERSPERG, Nelly, MD/PhD December 13, 1928 (Vienna) - January 15, 2023 Last Sunday, after a lengthy illness, our much beloved Nelly Auersperg slipped peacefully from this life. She and her family were grateful for the opportunity to enjoy their final time together. Nelly was predeceased by her father Viktor (Gutmann), her mother Luise (nee Bloch Bauer), her brother Francis, and her husband John. She leaves behind and will be remembered by her daughter Maria (David), son Edward (Nancy), and her six grandchildren Anthony, James, Elizabeth, John, Steven and Natalie, and many others whom she touched during her incredible life. She was hugely grateful for the opportunity to hold two great-grandchildren, Ada and Henrik, and happy in the knowledge of more to come. Nelly enjoyed a privileged childhood, but also experienced the horrors of war, revolution and loss. After eventually making her way to Vancouver, she obtained her MD degree (U of Washington) and PhD (UBC). She spent six decades in cervical and ovarian cancer research; a pioneer in her field, publishing over 200 research papers, and mentoring over 60 students, post-doctoral fellows and lab technicians, all of whom she lovingly and proudly referred to as her children. She was the recipient of an honorary doctorate from SFU, UBC Lifetime Achievement Award, AMS of UBC Great Trekker Award, and had an OVCARE symposium and an award in Women's Health Research named in her honour. She was a trustee of the BC Foundation for Non-animal Research. In 2016, she travelled to Croatia, and successfully honoured her late father's final request to have his unjust death sentence imposed in 1945 overturned. Nelly continuously displayed her gratitude for the life she was able to live in Canada. She set up three charitable foundations, providing respite for families affected by autism, housing for people suffering from homelessness and mental illness in Vancouver, and cervical cancer care in Uganda. In her nineties, she still found energy to contribute to and help translate into English a Croatian economics textbook about her childhood hometown of Belisce, and also helped spearhead the campaign to acquire a Shakespeare first folio for the UBC Special Collections library. She did not live for work alone, enjoying the outdoors, skiing, sailing, gardening and reading. She also found time for family and was always there when needed, caring for her children and introducing her grandchildren to culture and the arts, Disneyland and the opportunity to travel. She and they especially treasured visits to the town she lived in Croatia, where she showed each of them something of their roots and the place where so much happened during and after the war to shape her life and their heritage. She passed away at age 94, remaining inquisitive, feisty and alive until her final hours. She even relished watching the Canucks finally win a game just hours before she left us. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mercy Tenerio and Dr. Geoffrey Edwards for so many years of kindness, dedication and patience, to staff and friends at Tapestry, to Dr. Jason Park, and to the many staff at Vancouver General Hospital for their kind and tender care. Funeral mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (2465 Crown Street, Vancouver) on Tuesday, January 24 at 12 p.m., with a reception to follow at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club from 3:30 p.m.
The University of British Columbia - Dr. Nelly Auersperg Announcement
As we conclude our tribute to Dr. Nelly Auersperg, a true pioneer in the field of cancer research, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on the lives of countless individuals. Her unwavering dedication to understanding and combating cervical and ovarian cancer, spanning over six decades, has left an indelible mark on the scientific community. Dr. Auersperg's remarkable journey, marked by both privilege and hardship, serves as a testament to her unyielding passion for her work and her commitment to the pursuit of knowledge. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of researchers and scientists, as they strive to build upon her groundbreaking discoveries and push the boundaries of medical innovation.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we are left with a profound sense of gratitude for the gift of her life and work. Dr. Auersperg's contributions to cancer research have been nothing short of groundbreaking, and her tireless efforts have paved the way for countless breakthroughs in the field. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of human ingenuity and the boundless potential that lies within each of us. As we move forward, we are reminded of the importance of honoring the memories of those who have come before us, while also embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Dr. Auersperg's remarkable journey will continue to inspire and motivate us, as we strive to make a meaningful difference in the world.
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