Celebrating the best in Victorian medical research

327994_01

The state government is shining a spotlight on the best and brightest in Victoria’s medical research community – with submissions for the 2024 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research now open.

Medical Research Minister Ben Carroll announced next year’s awards, which will highlight the recent achievements of Victorians – including early-career medical researchers who are currently completing or have recently completed a PhD.

These researchers can be nominated for awards in five categories:

– Basic Science Researcher

– Clinical Researcher

– Aboriginal Researcher undertaking research in any field of health and medical research

– Health Services Researcher

– Public Health Researcher

The top prize of the night is the Premier’s Excellence Award, with the winner chosen from the individual category victors.

The winner of each category will receive $5000, while the recipient of the Premier’s Excellence Award will take home an additional $15,000 in prize money.

Dr Emily Lelliott took home last year’s top prize for her research following her achievements in examining the effects of melanoma therapies on the immune system.

Working with the University of Melbourne and the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, her study explored how these therapies can enhance the cancer-fighting capacity of T-cells, a type of immune cell.

The awards were established by the state government in 1995 in partnership with the Australian Society for Medical Research and have since continued to highlight the immense talent and hard work of Victorians undertaking medical research across the state.

Minister Ben Carroll said Victoria’s medical researchers are trailblazers in developing cutting-edge treatments and cures.

“We have no shortage of talent and it’s wonderful we can celebrate and acknowledge the important work of our medical researchers,” he said.

Details: health.vic.gov.au/about/premiers-awards-for-health-and-medical-research.