Women in science have dominated the Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research, with four of the five award categories presented to female researchers whose discoveries are changing lives.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos last night presented the prestigious awards during a special ceremony at Deakin Edge, Federation Square, which also celebrated the awards’ 25th anniversary.
The awards showcase the talent of our best and brightest budding scientists and reaffirms Victoria’s reputation as a world leader in health and medical research.
The 2019 awards recognised breakthroughs in immunotherapy, development of cancer drugs, the prevention of HIV, cardiac arrest survival and indigenous childrearing – reflecting Victoria’s contribution to better illness detection, treatment and care.
Dr Kate McArthur, the 2019 winner of the Premier’s Excellence Award, was recognised for her world-first discovery of how dying cells hide from our immune system.
This work will have real implications for the treatment of a range of diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
In another breakthrough project, Dr Mishel McMahon, of La Trobe University Bendigo, examined the values of both Western and Aboriginal childrearing practices.
The study will improve the understanding of Aboriginal childrearing within policy and practice so that childrearing programs work better for all Australian families.
Also winning awards were Dr Mary Ann Anderson from the University of Melbourne and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Dr Vincent Cornelisse from Monash University, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and The Alfred Hospital, and Dr Kylie Dyson from Monash University.
The Andrews Labor Government’s Healthier Lives, Stronger Economy: Victoria’s Health and Medical Research Strategy 2016-20 is delivering an additional $20 million to support new and evolving fields of medical research.
For more information on all finalists and award winners visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“In Victoria, we have a long and proud history of uncovering world-leading medical discoveries and these awards over 25 years have showcased our very best and brightest.”
“It’s great to see women in science leading the way, representing 19 out of 24 finalists this year, it shows women are making world-first breakthroughs that are transforming lives, here and around the globe.”
Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Medical Research Frank McGuire
“We are committed to investing in our renowned health and medical research sector, because it not only helps to create jobs and drive our economy, more importantly, it saves lives.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020