Victoria’s best and brightest medical researchers have been recognised at the 2023-24 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research, supported by the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll last night presented the awards to winners across five categories, showcasing and celebrating the world-leading research driven by emerging researchers across the state.
Dr Rongbin Xu from Monash University took out the prestigious Premier’s Excellence Award while also winning the Public Health Researcher Award for his research on the health and epigenetic impacts of climate change.
Dr Xu’s research identified health problems, vulnerable populations and novel genes impacted by heat, bushfire smoke and greenspace to inform targeted medical and public health interventions.
Other award category winners include Ms Joanne Luke (Aboriginal Researcher Award), Dr Sarah Garnish (Basic Science Researcher Award), Dr Laura Ross (Clinical Researcher Award), and Dr Rob Mitchell (Health Services Researcher Award).
The Awards were established by the Government in 1995 in partnership with the Australian Society for Medical Research to recognise the outstanding work of early career researchers.
The Labor Government’s investment in medical research is making sure we cement Victoria’s status as a world leader in cutting-edge health and medical research.
More than 5,800 people are directly employed in the medical research sector in Victoria while more than 30,000 jobs are created across Victoria’s 14 independent medical research institutes, universities and industry.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll
“Congratulations to all our outstanding medical researchers, whose inspiring work is contributing to a healthier future for Victoria and the world.”
“The Awards are a testament to the dedication and drive of Victoria’s medical research community and highlight our state’s global leadership in the sector.”
Reviewed 24 April 2024