Professor Ricky Johnstone is a recognised leader in the area of cancer epigenetics and therapeutics. He has developed sophisticated pre-clinical models to elucidate the mechanisms of action of small molecule histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired tumor cell resistance to HDACi. Professor Johnstone has developed, tested and validated rational combinations of small molecules targeting epigenetic enzymes,transcriptional regulatory proteins and signal transduction pathways to enhance the anti-tumor effects of these agents and reduce associated toxicities. With his clinical colleagues, he has successfully translated his laboratory-based findings through early phase clinical trials resulting in new treatments for patients with leaukemia and lymphoma.