Five health researchers have been named finalists for Bupa Health Foundation’s 2019 Emerging Health Researcher Award.
The annual awards, in their eighth year, are designed to recognise the contributions of health researchers to improving health and wellbeing.
The five finalists are working on public health, medical engineering, laboratory science and clinical research spanning fields including genetics, cancer and mental health.
"Forging a career as a health and medical researcher can be challenging. Not only because of limited funding for research, but also the dedication required to solve complex health problems which can take years to unravel," said Bupa Health Foundation executive leader Annette Schmiede.
"The Bupa Health Foundation is proud to invest in Australian researchers as they navigate this critical career stage and embark on their journey to become tomorrow’s leaders who will be driving improvements to health and health care that will benefit all of society."
The 2019 Emerging Health Researcher Awards finalists are:
- Dr Aideen McInerney-Leo, a genetic counsellor and Research Fellow at the University of Queensland who is focused on improving the care and overall health of people who are undergoing genetic testing.
- Dr Saree Alnaghy - a Research Associate from the University of Wollongong who has developed a robotic device that mimics the movement of tumors to help reduce errors in radiation cancer treatments.
- Dr Gemma Sharp - a clinical psychologist and NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow at Monash University who is developing online tools to help prevent serious health disorders associated with body image.
- Dr Jie Bin Lew - a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Cancer Council NSW who has developed a predictive modelling tool to evaluate the most effective ways to prevent bowel cancer in Australia.
- Dr Myles Young - a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Newcastle who is developing tailored interventions to improve the physical and mental health of men
Each finalist will receive $5,000 and support to help further their career. The award winner will be announced on 27 August and will receive an additional $20,000.