QUT research in childhood sleep, cancer nursing and stopping the spread of drug-resistant superbugs has been recognised at this year’s Young Tall Poppy Science Awards.
Three of QUT’s young scientists were among 12 Queensland finalists in awards announced by Queensland's Chief Scientist Dr Geoff Garrett last night.
QUT microbiologist Dr Makrina Totsika was named joint Queensland Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year.
Dr Totsika, along with childhood sleep researcher Dr Sally Staton and cancer nurse specialist Associate Professor Raymond Chan, from QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), have been honoured for excellence in their fields of research.
Dr Totsika is working to develop a new class of anti-microbial to disarm rather than kill superbugs.
With the support of two ongoing National Health and Medical research Council (NHMRC) project grants and collaboration with leading experts in Australia and the US, Dr Totsika’s research is expected to lead to next-generation antimicrobials that will be tailored to each patient’s infection.
Dr Staton’s research into children’s sleep identified the negative impact on night sleep of children, aged over two, forced to nap at childcare.
The lack of proper practices in childcare centres was highlighted and her results led to changes in the professional development of early education workers.
Associate Professor Raymond Chan is working with cancer patients to test new technology to reduce complications and distressing symptoms during and after treatment.
His research led to improvements in the clinical care of patients, particularly at risk of infection from central venous access devices used during the administering of chemotherapy.
The Young Tall Poppy Science awards recognise intellectual and scientific excellence and encourage young Australians to pursue careers in science.
Queensland Minister for Science and Innovation Leeanne Enoch said:
“I’d like to congratulate all the young Queensland scientists recognised at the 2016 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards,” she said.
“Queensland is home to a large pool of scientific talent and it is appropriate that we acknowledge these rising stars who are not only leading ground-breaking research but also passionately communicating how their research outcomes will affect the well-being of Queenslanders.”
This event is run in collaboration with Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS).
MEDIA CONTACT:
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