Five of Victoria’s most talented health and medical researchers have received top honours for their pioneering breakthroughs that are improving care and changing lives.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy last night presented the prestigious 2018 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research at Deakin Edge.
The awards honour the outstanding work and discoveries of up-and-coming health and medical researchers in the early stages of their career, and continue to affirm Victoria’s reputation as a world leader in health and medical research.
This year, the Awards – in their 24th year – have expanded to include categories in the areas of basic science, clinical, public health and health services research.
Kerryn Moore, the winner of the Excellence Award 2018, was recognised for her research into the impact of malaria in pregnancy on birth outcomes in Asia.
This research is making a real difference across the globe - influencing World Health Organisation guidelines on the treatment, control and prevention of malaria in pregnancy in Asia.
Ms Moore, who also won the Public Health Award, is now working for the Monash Children’s Research Institute based in Laos at the Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit.
Also winning awards were Dr Hui-Fern Koay, Dr Tan Nguyen, Dr Benjamin Teh and Dr Gabrielle Haeusler.
The Andrews Labor Government’s Healthier Lives, Stronger Economy: Victoria’s Health and Medical Research Strategy 2016-2020 outlines key priorities over four years to support new and evolving fields of medical research.
The strategy has delivered an additional $20 million to ensure Victoria stays a world leader in ground-breaking health and medical research.
For more information on all finalists and award winners visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“Victoria is home to some of the world’s brightest medical minds, and we’re leading the way in breakthrough discoveries to fast-track new treatments, and save the lives of more people in Victoria and around the world.”
“Winners of this prestigious award like Kerryn Moore are now advancing their careers on the world stage, revolutionising patient care and saving lives, here and around the globe.”
Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Medical Research Frank McGuire
“Our major investments will build on Victoria’s reputation as a world leader in medical research, attracting global investment and creating new jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020