2007 NSW/ACT Young Tall Poppy Science Awards announced

NSW's best young scientists have been honoured in the annual NSW/ACT Young Tall Poppy Science Awards announced by Minister for Science and Medical Research Verity Firth. The award ceremony was held at NSW Parliament House on 18 October 2007. Ms Firth said this year's awards recognised the achievements of 13 outstanding young scientists who are making world class progress in their chosen fields. 

"NSW is home to many of Australia’s leading research institutes, hospitals, and universities and the annual Young Tall Poppy Science Awards recognise the brilliant young scientists that are behind their success," Ms Firth said. "The tall poppy is a metaphor for excellence and the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards are about celebrating our smarts rather than cutting them down.

"The 2007 NSW/ACT Young Tall Poppy Science Award winners are the intellectual stars of our future and demonstrate the vital role scientific research plays in the continued growth and better health of our community, environment and the economy. Our 2007 Tall Poppies range in age from 27 to 38 and have collectively won numerous awards, attracted millions of dollars in research grants and generated a range of patents,” she said.

"The award winners demonstrate the breadth and diversity of the scientific research taking place in NSW and the ACT. They also acknowledge the winners' achievements but also give them a chance to demonstrate their value as role models by promoting and encouraging an interest in science across the wider community.

“The awards not only encourage young people to study science and pursue science careers but also aim to make our younger generation more science-literate so they can take part in future public debates about important issues such as climate change, water conservation or genetically modified foods.”

Ms Firth said the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards are an annual national initiative of the Australian Institute of Policy and Science and are supported by the NSW Government through the Office for Science and Medical Research.

2007 Young Tall Poppy Science Award Winners

Dr Joshua Burns, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, who is working on a world-first clinical trial to determine if vitamin C can help children with an inherited nerve disease that affects their feet and ankles.

Dr Vanessa Hayes, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, whose research focuses on how genetic differences increase the risk of developing cancers.

Dr Emma Johnston, University of New South Wales, who is investigating how contaminants and introduced marine species affect native marine life in locations including the Great Barrier Reef and Antartica.

Dr Kate Jolliffe, University of Sydney, whose research work includes developing molecules to better help cancer drugs attack cancer cells.

Dr Nadine Kasparian, University of New South Wales, who is studying how people with a strong family history of melanoma respond to genetic testing and is developing a web-based “Melanoma Risk Calculator”.

Dr Brendan Kelaher, University of Technology, Sydney, who is researching the impact of over fishing, coastal development, pollution, desalination, invasive species and climate change on marine ecosystems.

Dr Craig O’Neill, Macquarie University, who has pioneered sophisticated computer modelling to simulate planet formation and better understand the differences between earth and non-inhabitable planets.

Dr Matt Taylor, University of New South Wales, who is researching fish stocking and release techniques to help develop better recreational and commercial fisheries.

Dr James Tickner, CSIRO Minerals, whose scanning technology was used in a recently completed $8.4million trial at Brisbane Airport.
 
Dr Nicole Verrills, University of Newcastle, who is using state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques to identify genes and proteins that contribute to cancer.

Dr Carola Vinuesa, Australian National University, who recently discovered a gene that appears to be a crucial link in the development of autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

Dr Charles Warren, University of Sydney, who is studying factors that limit plant growth to help improve agriculture and environmental management.

Dr Lisa Wood, University of Newcastle, who is investigating the role of diet in the management of asthma and examining the link between asthma and obesity.