Researcher of the Year Awards - 16 August 2008

On Saturday 16 August, a black tie dinner dance was held at the Mercure Hotel in Geelong attended by 180 people for the Annual Researcher of the Year Awards 2008 to celebrate the achievements and acknowledge the high quality work being done by researchers in the Geelong Region.

The Awards highlight the growing emphasis on a “knowledge economy” and Geelong as a growth corridor for medical and educational research, biotechnology, and technology.

Winners of the awards included:

• Overall 2008 Winner – Professor Michael Berk (right) from Barwon Health Melbourne University, for his work in Bipolar Disorder. Presented by Michael O’Brien, G-Force Recruitment.
  
  
  
  
  
• Highly Recommended Award – Associate Professor John Agar (right) from Barwon Health, for his work in being the first in the world for developing water conservation methodology and treatment from haemodialysis. Presented by Dr Bill Humphries, CSIRO Materials, Science & Engineering
  
  
  
  
  
• Animal Health Award – Dr Anthony Keyburn from CSIRO AAHL, for his work in developing NE vaccines that prevent poultry bacterial diseases which has local and global implications. Presented by Dr Martin Jeggo CSIRO AAHL
• Biotechnology Award – Associate Professor Wei Duan from Deakin University, for his work in the development of novel nano cancer molecular diagnostics and targeted anti-cancer drug therapy. Presented by Tim Sproat Dept Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
• Health & Lifestyle Award – Professor Michael Berk from Barwon Health Melbourne University for his work in Bipolar Disorder. Presented by Sue Halsall, Pathcare St John of God Pathology
• Early Researcher Award – Felice Jacka from Barwon Health for her research work in the association between diet and exercise and depressive illness. Presented by Alison Hadfield, Deakin University
• Early Researcher Award – Christopher Cowled from CSIRO AAHL for his work in developing knowledge and understanding of novel viruses of the genus Orbivirus, isolated from sentinel cattle and insects in northern Australia,one of the most diverse groups of arboviruses in Australia which will greatly assist in rapid diagnosis in the event of an outbreak. Presented by Catherine Taylor, Geelong Independent
• Smart Technology Award – Dr Lu Sun, Deakin University for his work in Optimising the UV Protection  of Textiles with Nanco Zinc Oxide. His research will lead to an improved understanding of the basic interactions between nanco particles, colour and fibre. Presented by Lawrie Miller, Geelong Chamber of Commerce.
• Safer Communities Award – Liz Wood from City of Greater Geelong for her work in developing a cycle strategy to guide cycle related investment, improve safety for cyclists  and ultimately support cycling across the entire municipality of Greater Geelong. Presented by Andrew Boag, TAC.
• Teaching & Learning Award – Anne-Marie Ryan from Smart Geelong Region LLEN for her investigation into the impact of a personal knowledge translation model, in a mainstream schooling context, wherein body composition data was given back to students to understand and maintain ‘healthy weight’. Presented by Grant Rau Dept of Education & Early Childhood Development
• Save the Planet Award – Associate Professor John Agar from Barwon Health for his work in the development of novel nano cancer molecular diagnostics and targeted anti-cancer drug therapy. Presented by Stephen Simm, GHD Engineering.

Hosted by the Smart Geelong Network, an initiative of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, the Awards were the final event in a week long Research & Innovation Expo of events held throughout the region.

For more information call Kathryn Egan on 0419 515 572