2008 New South Wales Award Winner

Dr Ben McNeil

The University of New South Wales Ben’s research focuses on the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the oceans and the consequences of this increased absorption on the marine ecosystem. He hopes to use his findings to lobby governments here and overseas to develop better greenhouse gas emission and energy policies. More Climate Science Environmental…

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Dr Culum Brown

Macquarie University Culum examines how genes and the environment shape the behaviour of fish. His primary focus is on how fish change their behaviour as a result of experience. He also examines how native fish interect with exotic  pest species and develops protocols to enhance the survival of hatchery-reared fishes after release. He believes that…

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Dr David Wilson

The University of New South Wales David uses complex mathematical equations to formulate likely explanations for observed trends in HIV epidemics and predict the best public health intervention strategies that should be implemented to reduce new infections and AIDS deaths in the future. He is currently involved in advising HIV stakehiolders in Australia, South Africa…

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Dr Kathy Belov

The University of Sydney Kathy studies immunity, health and disease in our native wildlife such as Tasmanian devils, wallabies, platypuses and koalas. She has found a direct link between loss of genetic diversity and the emergence of a new disease in the devils. Her research is beneficial both to monitoring the health of our antive…

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Dr Pall Thordarson

The University of New South Wales Pall uses nanotechnology inspired by or mimicking biological systems to create new self-assembled materials and devices. These could be then used for drug delivery, biofuel cells or biosensors. His bioelectronics research is aimed at making a better biosensor for medical applications as well as combining waste treatment with renewable…

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Dr Peter Rutledge

The University of Sydney Peter applies the tools of chemistry to tackle important medical and environmental challenges such as developing new antibiotics to combat ‘superbugs’, building improved technologies for detecting and cleaning up toxic pollutants and designing new catalysts. More Chemistry

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Dr Rebecca McKetin

The University of New South Wales Rebecca aims to find out how many people are addicted to the drug ‘ice’ (or methamphetamine), how many of them have mental problems like psychosis or depression, and how many get help. Understanding who is addicted and the types of problems they experience helps in the treatment of drug…

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Professor Bryan Gaensler

The University of Sydney Bryan studies the static and crackle of the radio waves produced by stars and galaxies to study the magnetic fields in interstellar and intergalactic space to determine what role they have played in the evolving universe. He has received eight awards and fellowships including Young Australian of the Year (1999) and…

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Associate Professor Ian Anderson

University of Western Sydney Ian uses DNA fingerprinting, along with other techniques, to describe and understand the biodiversity of soil microbes (particularly fungi). He is interested in how these microorganisms will respond to future climate changeand the role they have in increasing soil carbon storage. His research aims to quantify the influence of CO2 levels…

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Associate Professor Rebecca Ivers

The George Institute for International Health Rebecca studies road traffic injury and ways to reduce its impact, both in Australia and in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. She also conducts studies to evaluate the effectiveness of injury prevention programs. Working as an injury researcher allows her to work across a diverse range of projects…

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