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Ten of the Best: top Aussie researchers inspire students
Smart bombing cancer, fighting malaria at the frontline, and making type 1 diabetes history are just some of the exciting Australian research projects highlighted in NHMRC’s 10 of the Best Research Projects 2009 launched on 17 August by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, the Hon Mark Butler MP, as part of CSIRO’s National Science Week activities.The book and accompanying series of podcasts aim to encourage the next generation of health and medical researchers.
At the launch, high school students participated in a speed science activity with 10 of the Best researchers and learnt first hand the passion, creativity and persistence needed to be a world-class leader in this field.
"10 of the Best is testament to the excellence and innovation of Australian health and medical research," Mr Butler said. “These inspiring projects show the challenges, rewards and potential for effecting real change that comes from working in this frontier area of science.
"We need more researchers like these—individuals with the ingenuity, drive and dedication to unravel the mysteries behind disease and relieve human suffering."
These projects are just a sample of the 8,000 vital medical research projects underway in Australia today.
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| Six of Australia’s top health and medical researchers inspired Melrose High School science students at NHMRC’s launch of 10 of the Best Research Projects 2009, held in Canberra on 17 August as part of CSIRO’s National Science Week activities. Left to right: Associate Professor Roger Martin, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; Professor Susan Clark, Garvan Institute of Medical Research; Professor Peter Eastwood, WA Sleep Disorders Research Institute (in back); Dr Julia Pitcher, University of Adelaide; Associate Professor Steven Stacker, Ludwig Institute for Cancer (in back); and Associate Professor David Thomas, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. |
Speed science: Year 10 Melrose High School students mingled with some of Australia’s top researchers for NHMRC’s 10 of the Best launch held as part of CSIRO’s National Science Week activities on 17 August. | Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mr Mark Butler MP, meets with the next generation of health and medical researchers — Melrose High School's Year 10 science students. |
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What does it take to be a health and medical researcher? 10 of the Best's Associate Professor David Thomas, from Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, demonstrates his passion which has made him a world-class leader in his field. |
Inspired: Year 10 Melrose High School science student, Courtney Tiller (left) with NHMRC’s Dr Clive Morris at the 10 of the Best launch. |
Students take some tips from sleep apnoea expert Professor Peter Eastwood, from the WA Sleep Disorders Research Institute. |
