Three Perth researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia have today been named finalists for the 2016 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
Professor Jonathan Carapetis, Director of The Kids Research Institute Australia, is a finalists for the 2016 CSIRO Eureka Prize for Leadership in Innovation and Science.
Professor Jonathan Carapetis was selected as a finalist for his leadership in medical research and public health, particularly for his sustained research into rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and global advocacy work.
Professor Carapetis said the Eureka Prize shortlisting was indicative of the inroads researchers were making in RHD research and the public health profile they had built for the disease.
"Medical research is a team effort," Professor Carapetis said. "It is humbling to be shortlisted for this prestigious award, but the reality is that without concerted effort from the broader researcher and public health community, RHD research would not have risen to such a high priority."
Dr Tom Snelling, Scientific Director of the Institute's Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, has been shortlisted for the 2016 3M Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science.
Dr Tom Snelling was shortlisted as a finalist for his leadership and advocacy in vaccine and infectious diseases research.
Dr Snelling said it was an honour to be named a finalist for the Eureka Prizes.
"I am incredibly grateful for the support, encouragement and guidance I have received from my colleagues and mentors," Dr Snelling said. "The Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases is undertaking some innovative studies and this shortlisting in the Eureka Prizes is a testament to the Centre's creativity and dedication."
Dr Timo Lassmann was also among the Eureka Prize finalists as a member of the 'FANTOM5' Project that was shortlisted in the Scopus Eureka Prize for Excellence in International Scientific Collaborations.
The winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on 31 August. You can read more about Timo's project here.
Read the full list at the Eureka website.
-- ENDS --
More about the finalists:
Professor Jonathan Carapetis:
Professor Carapetis, Director of The Kids Research Institute Australia, has dedicated the past 23 years to making Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) a national and international health priority.
RHD is most prevalent among the most disadvantaged countries, however Australia and New Zealand still report some of the highest rates in the world
Under Professor Carapetis' leadership, The Kids Research Institute Australia is playing a central
role in finding new ways to prevent RHD as the lead organisation in the END RHD Co-operative Research Centre and RhEACH, an international collaboration to leverage discoveries for global benefit.
Professor Carapetis' team is currently developing more effective and less painful treatments for kids living with RHD, working with communities on better ways to prevent RHD and fast tracking efforts to develop a vaccine so that RHD will become a thing of the past.
WATCH a short video of Jonathan explaining his research below.
Dr Tom Snelling
As Scientific Director of the Wesfarmers Centre at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Dr Snelling has pioneered
innovative clinical trial methods to investigate the safety and effectiveness of new treatment and vaccination strategies.
Dr Snelling and his team are committed to ensuring their scientific discoveries are translated into real world solutions. They work with both policy makers to ensure their findings inform the National Immunisation Schedule and clinicians to ensure they are providing up to date-evidence based advice to parents. By measuring how quickly vaccine protection wears off, Dr Snelling's research has already shaped how we vaccinate against rotavirus, whooping cough and pneumococcal disease.
Outside of his commitments as a clinical researcher, Dr Snelling sits on the Scientific Advisory Board of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, as well as the Australian Government's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Council. His contribution to these national committees ensures scientific discoveries are translated into effective healthcare solutions, improving efficiency in the healthcare system.
WATCH a short video of Tom explaining his research below.
About The Kids Research Institute Australia:
The Kids Research Institute Australia is one of the largest, and most successful medical research institutes in Australia, comprising a dedicated and diverse team of more than 500 staff and students.
We've created a bold blueprint that brings together community, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and funders, who share our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of children through excellence in research.
The Institute is headed by leading paediatrician and infectious diseases expert Professor Jonathan Carapetis, with Founding Director Professor Fiona Stanley now Patron.
The Kids is independent and not-for-profit. The majority of funding comes from our success in winning national and international competitive research grants. We also receive significant philanthropic support from corporate Australia and the community.