This year, the Heart Research Institute’s annual Awards for Excellence dinner, Illuminate, celebrated and recognised some of our most up-and-coming scientists, as well as the contributions of women to medical research.
Held at The Women’s College, The University of Sydney, the event was attended by distinguished guests and supporters from the scientific community, including The Hon Brad Hazzard, NSW Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research.
A highlight of the evening was a Key Note panel comprised of four exceptional women at different stages of their medical research careers who shared their inspiring experiences: Dr Bo Remenyi, paediatric cardiologist and 2018 Australian of the Year for Northern Territory; Emeritus Professor Carolyn Ceczy, Acting Scientific Director at HRI; Dr Anna Waterhouse, leader of the Cardiovascular Medical Devices Group at HRI; and Emily McCarthy, an honours student from New Zealand with the Thrombosis Group at HRI, who first joined HRI on a summer scholarship funded by generous donors in New Zealand.
L-R: Dr Stephen Hollings, CEO, HRI; The Hon Brad Hazzard, MP; Sophie Scott, ABC Medical Reporter
Congratulations to our Award Winners
A key part of Illuminate is to recognise the achievements of some of the Heart Research Institute’s best and brightest early career researchers. This year's awards go to:
Dr Lining (Arnold) Ju, Thrombosis Group – Unity4 Best Publication Award
Dr Yen Chin Koay, Cardiometabolic Disease Group – Dimension Data Early Career Researcher Award
Richard Tan, Applied Materials Group – Student Researcher Award
Pradeep Cholan, Vascular Complications Group – Student Researcher Award, Highly Commended
This year, two special awards were also presented.
The Sydney Local Health District Mentor of the Year Award was presented to Emeritus Professor Carolyn Geczy, for her dedication in nurturing, developing and mentoring early-career researchers, and in providing support and direction on grant applications and direction of research to all of the HRI's scientists.
The HRI Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Professor Wendy Jessup, for her significant contributions to HRI over the past 30 years, in roles ranging from research group leader to Deputy Director, Board member, and positions on the HRI Scientific Advisory Committee and other committees.
