Mater Research 2017 Awards for Research Excellence

Thursday 26 October 2017

Since its inception in 1999, Mater Research has annually recognised researchers, support staff and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the institute through its Mater Research Awards for Research Excellence.

At an event held on 25 October, Mater Research’s CEO Professor John Prins and Deputy Director of Research Professor Michael McGuckin joined with Mater Group CEO Dr Shane Kelly, Sister Michaeleen Ahern, Sister Madonna Josey, Mater Foundation staff, donors and Mater Research supporters to honour recipients who have made significant contributions to Mater Research.

Congratulations to the following 2017 medal and award winners:

Sr. Regis Mary Dunne Medal – For outstanding research contribution, awarded to a researcher who has excelled in relation to opportunity: 

Awarded to Professor Josephine Forbes.

This award was presented by Mater Group CEO Dr Shane Kelly.

Professor Forbes is one of our most consistently productive biomedical scientists. She is providing substantial leadership for our Chronic Disease Biology and Care Program and is fostering numerous biomedical-clinical interactions at Mater. This year Professor Forbes was recognised nationally by the ANZ Society for Nephrology being awarded the 2017 TJ Neale Award for Outstanding Contribution to Nephrological Science.

Sr. Madonna Josey Medal – For outstanding contribution to Mater Research, awarded to an individual who has made significant contribution to the operations of the Institute: 

Awarded to Professor Geoffrey Kiel.

This award was presented by Sister Madonna Josey, former Director of Nursing at the Mater Adult Hospital.

Professor Kiel is one of the institute’s longest standing directors. He has long been a source of sage business advice in the administration and strategic direction of the institute, including during some very challenging times. In 2008 together with Prof Bob Williamson, he conducted a review of research at Mater which ignited a major restructure of research activities, including affiliation with UQ and TRI partnership, and set research at Mater into a new phase of expansion and productivity resulting in the vibrant institute we have today. Professor Kiel continues to make a much appreciated contributions to our strategic direction via his position on the Board, but will soon be retiring from the Board after an extended term.

Sr. Eileen Pollard Medal – For incorporating research into clinical care provision, awarded to an individual who has consistently translated research into clinical practice:

Awarded to Professor Sue Kildea.

This award was presented by Professor Vicky Flenady, last year’s recipient of Sister Regis Mary Dunne Medal.

Professor Kildea has established a strong research program around midwifery services with particularly important work aimed at improving outcomes for indigenous and rural women. She has a strong national reputation and is involved in multiple collaborative partnerships recognised by competitive funding. Professor Kildea is passionate about developing the research capabilities and careers of midwives and is effectively mentoring many younger researchers.

Sr. Michaeleen Ahern Medal – Awarded for outstanding levels of performance in the supervision, mentoring and training of postgraduate research students:

Awarded to Professor Michael McGuckin. This award was presented by Sister Michaeleen Ahern, the fourth Sister of Mercy to have a Mater Research Medal named in her honour.

Professor McGuckin is the Deputy Director of Research at Mater and leads the Inflammatory Disease Biology and Therapeutics Research Group at Mater. Despite the significant workload associated to his role as the Deputy Director of Research, he has been recognised for the high quality mentoring support and training he provides to his students to ensure their research success —a support that does not end with their graduation, but continues long after that, to help them continue succeeding in their research careers.

He is particularly well-known among students for his approachability and flexibility and for his ability to communicate research clearly and unambiguously. As well, for his ability to encourage students to make independent decisions on research, while providing constructive feedback to assist them in becoming better independent researchers. Professor McGuckin has been the primary supervisor for 15 completing postgraduate students, he has six current PhD students, including one clinician. Over the last 5 years he has been primary supervisor for six and associate supervisor for four completing PhD students.

Doctor Laurence Catley Clinical Student Award - Awarded to a clinical researcher who has made a significant contribution to Mater Research and the Community:  

Awarded to Ms Amal Alsolai.

This award was presented by Professor McGuckin.

Ms Amal Alsolai is in her 3rd year of her PhD, and has already demonstrated great productivity, and community contribution in relation to opportunity. The impact of her research —around assessment of fetal cardiac function and evaluation of risk of intra-partum fetal compromise— is further evidenced by multiple presentations at national and international conferences.

The Doctor Laurence Catley Clinical Student Award also comes with a $1,500 travel award to enable researchers to increase their profile within the research community by attending a renowned conference overseas and presenting their research findings.

Research Higher Degree Student Award – Awarded to a scientific researcher who has made a significant contribution to Mater Research and the community:

Awarded to Ms Ramya Movva.

This award was also presented by Professor McGuckin.

Ms Ramya Movva has nearly completed 3 years of her PhD degree. She is doing exceptional work in the area of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and has contributed to this field with five publications and many oral and poster presentations at local and international conferences.

The Research Higher Degree Student Award also comes with a $1,500 travel award to enable researchers to increase their profile within the research community by attending a renowned conference overseas and presenting their research findings.

Mater Research Early Career Researcher award - recognising exceptional work undertaken at Mater Research:

Awarded to Dr Hanna Reinebrant.

This award was presented by Mark Ryan, Senior Manager (Engagement) at Mater Foundation.

Dr Hanna Reinebrant is a postdoctoral researcher at the Stillbirth Centre for Research Excellence (CRE), at mater. Despite the early stage of her career, she is recognised for her numerous research contributions to understanding the causes of stillbirth and perinatal mortality. She further plays a significant leading role within the Stillbirth CRE, helping with team coordination, overseeing student activities, supervising students and supporting staff.

The Mater Early Career Researcher award also comes with a $3,000 travel award to enable researchers to increase their profile within the research community by attending a renowned conference overseas and presenting their research findings.

Simon & Nell George Award:

Awarded to Associate Professor Helen Liley.

This award was presented by Maree Joseph, who is Simon & Nell George’s daughter.

The Simon & Nell George Award is a new Award introduced in 2016 in recognition of the long-standing support of the George family for Mater, particularly in the area of care of newborns and maternal health. This award recognises exceptional work undertaken by Associate Professor Liley at Mater at improving the outcomes of infants who need resuscitation at birth and subsequent neonatal intensive care, as well as her continuous support for the work of Mater Foundation.

Associate Professor Liley wins $10,000 in research funding to further her research in maternal and early childhood health.

Bill Siganto Award:

Awarded to Associate Professor Allison Pettit.

This award was also presented by Maree Joseph, who is friend of the Bill Siganto family.

The Bill Siganto Award is an award introduced in 2016 in recognition of the long-standing support of the late Bill Siganto and his family for Mater, particularly in the area of prostate cancer research. This award recognises the exceptional work undertaken by Associate Professor Pettit at Mater in the area of prostate cancer and, in particular, in the understanding of the processes involved in the development of bone metastasis among patients with prostate cancer. This award, also recognizes her support for the work of Mater Foundation and will provide additional $10,000 research funding to further her research in prostate cancer.

Congratulations to all winners and nominees for their dedication and outstanding contributions.

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