John Hooper is Professor of Cancer Research and he leads the Cancer Biology Laboratory at the Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland.

His research focus is on cancers of the ovary, pancreas and bowel, studying the molecular drivers of these malignancies and pre-clinical testing of the anti-cancer effects of new drug leads.   

A major current research interest is the identification and characterisation of cell surface receptor systems that are suitable targets for theranostic agents used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. His laboratory works closely with clinical teams involved in the care of cancer patients, and with companies engaged in the translation of biomedical discoveries for clinical use. 

Professor Hooper received his research training at the University of Queensland, the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, and The Scripps Research Institute, and his research is currently funded by the National Health & Medical Research Council of Australia, the Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, and the Mater Foundation.