Professor Klinken’s interest in cancer has led to the discovery a number of oncogenes and tumour- suppressor genes. His work on leukemias has been internationally-recognised, especially the concept of lineage-switching. As a passionate advocate for medical research, he established the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, and was Director of the Institute (now known as the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical research) for 15 years. After stepping down from the Director’s role he was appointed as the Chief Scientist of Western Australia. Professor Klinken has been recognised for these activities with awards that include the Western Australian Citizen of the Year.