Some of Victoria’s top scientists and innovators will be backed to further their award-winning research thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll revealed the winners at the 2022 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation and Victoria Fellowships ceremony on Tuesday, which celebrated 25 years of outstanding scientific achievements.
The awards honour scientists, researchers and innovators whose significant discoveries and contributions to science are changing lives.
Associate Professor Joshua Ooi and Professor Eric Morand from Monash University were among the joint recipients of the $50,000 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation in Life Sciences for research that could lead to the development of new therapies to treat autoimmune diseases affecting millions of people worldwide such as rheumatoid arthritis.
They shared the Prize with Professor Brian Abbey from La Trobe University and Associate Professor Belinda Parker from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, whose ground-breaking research examines the use of nanotechnology to turn glass microscope slides into a powerful new testing tool that rapidly detects cancer cells.
The innovative technology simplifies the testing process and reduces turnaround times for a cancer diagnosis in the lab from 48 hours to just 20 minutes, potentially saving lives around the world.
Minister Carroll also announced the recipients of 10 Victoria Fellowships worth up to $18,000 each to connect researchers to international centres of innovation excellence to further their work.
For more information about the veski Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation and Victoria Fellowships, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll
“Victoria is home to some of the world’s best researchers – these awards ensure they’re able to turn promising work into potentially life-changing discoveries affecting millions of people worldwide.”
“Backing our researchers keeps Melbourne among the best in the world, like Boston and London, for advancing scientific breakthroughs.”
Reviewed 13 December 2022