Five of the brightest scientific minds from the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct have been chosen as International Research Scholars, enabling them to advance their groundbreaking research across the globe.
Scientists from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Walter and Eliza Institute of Medical Research, The Doherty Institute and the University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Institute were chosen from a global field of 1,400 applicants.
Just 41 scientists from 16 countries were awarded the prestigious scholarships, with each receiving $650,000 over five years. Five of the six scholarships awarded to Australian scientists went to Melbourne-based recipients.
The Melbourne-based scientists’ work covers a broad range of research areas, including effective treatment to target cancerous stem cells, studying malaria parasites, genetic changes that cause severe inflammatory diseases, infectious microbes that cause typhoid fever and dysentery, and tissue-resistant memory T cells.
The scholarships were awarded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct Office will provide further support to the scholars, with mentoring and networking opportunities.
The Office was established in 2016 following the recommendations of the Premier’s Jobs and Investment Panel. It aims to drive economic development in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, and strengthen its position as a world leader in research, development and innovation.
The Office’s Executive Chair Dr Gareth Goodier is leading the development of a 20-year plan in partnership with the hospitals, universities and research bodies in the Precinct, and government bodies.
The healthcare sector contributes more than $30 billion to the Victorian economy each year, employing over 130,000 Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“Melbourne is home to some of the world’s best health and medical researchers – and this is an outstanding recognition of the important work undertaken in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct over many years.”
“To gain philanthropic support of this size for our scientists is testament to the talent that we have right here in Melbourne, and the impact their work is having worldwide.”
Quote attributable to Executive Chair of Melbourne Biomedical Precinct Dr Gareth Goodier
“It is the work of young researchers such as this outstanding group that demonstrate the values and ambitions of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct in terms of leadership, innovation and collaboration.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020