Update from Sally Catt

Posted on behalf of Dr Christine De Nardo, Manager, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health

As posted on 9 February 2023, Angus Catt, son of Sally Catt, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology was in an induced coma following an accident in Seoul, Korea on 22 January.

Update from Sally Catt posted to Facebook on 13 February

"The Goose has flown in!! It was tremendously emotional as I saw him coming into the Alfred hospital- The aspenmedical team, the ambulance man and every member of the hospital staff welcomed me with open arms, while everything was happening around him on the hand over. He was looking so peaceful and I was told he had been incredibly strong throughout this flight (I'd been given grave warnings that flying in his condition was dangerous and he may not make it, hence keeping his return a little under the radar) - again, he has defied the odds.  

Picture L-R: Sally and the Aspen Medical team, Tony and John at the Melbourne hospital, and Sally with Angus in ICU.

This would not have happened without the local and worldwide love and support he has been receiving during his 3 weeks in a Korean Hospital.  Saturday night I attended the most amazing fundraiser at Black Rock Yacht club, which was run by an absolute army of volunteers (whom I'll thank soon on their own fb page)- I have over 2500 donators to thank on the mycause page, which has nearly reached its target of $250,000 - and over time I'll be thanking you all. As Angus flew in, Henry, his cousin was running an ultra-marathon round a park in London, as a fundraiser (strava told us his heart rate went up when he was passed on the news of angus's arrival!).

 I can't thank Avcair enough for being so caring and kind and keeping me updated with every detail of his flight (route changes due cyclones in darwin, 14h on the tarmac in Indonesia due to debris on the runway ripping up the tyres- Shaun you are a legend for keeping it all happening-get some sleep mate!)". 

2023 parking arrangements

A message from Buildings and Property Division Monash University

Changes to parking operations across our campuses for 2023 will come into effect from Monday 20 February as we welcome our students back to campus for O-Week. 

With parking demand set to increase this year, we encourage you to use other modes of transport or carpool and share your trip and parking fees whenever possible. 

No perishing here, thank you

Next time you have a paper accepted, an award granted, or some other fabulous SCS news, please fill out the enhanced SCS News Opportunity form – the earlier, the better, so your work can be publicly acknowledged. Any questions, contact Communications Manager, Karen Sims: Karen.Sims@monash.edu  0438 310 866

SCS Staff meeting - Friday 3 March 2023

Please join us for the next SCS staff meeting.  Lunch will be provided for in person attendance.

• Date: Friday 3 March 2023
• Time: 12:00 - 1:30PM
• Venue: Monash University Paediatrics Seminar Room, Level 5, Monash Children's Hospital
• or Join by Zoom - link HERE
• Registration essential for in person attendance (catering purposes): HERE 

Quiet Achiever Nominations: HERE

The Quiet Achiever Award is given to a staff member to reward and recognise their achievements and contribution to the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health.  A $200 shopping voucher will be awarded to the winner at the next Staff Meeting.  Closing date for nominations: Thursday 2 March 2023.  Enquiries to jinleng.graham@monash.edu

Update from Sally Catt

Posted on behalf of Dr Christine De Nardo, Manager, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health

As posted on 2 February 2023, Angus Catt, son of Sally Catt, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is in an induced coma following a tragic accident that took place in Seoul, Korea on 22 January.

Update from Sally Catt via Facebook on 7 February 2023

Angus remains in a coma in the ICU in separation hospital, Seoul - two weeks after his accident. It's a roller coaster ride of emotions but I continue to be blown away and humbled by the love and support Angus is receiving. at 5 pm on channel 10 tonight-there will be a little story about Angus Catt- I hope that my gratitude for everyone's support comes across in this - along with a chance to get to know Angus Better.

and here's the interview for those that missed it:

https://fb.watch/iwlxJOtA-3/?mibextid=qC1gEa

Welcome, Karen Sims, SCS Communications Manager

Karen Sims is delighted to bring her skills and experience to the School of Clinical Sciences as Communications Manager. She has delivered strategic communications solutions to governments, corporates, NFPs, and the health sector, and also operated her own communications consultancy. Karen relishes working among people with a united commitment to producing excellent outcomes for all. She is happy for you to know four of her passions are child welfare, cricket, cheese and champagne — not always in that order.

Help bring Sally Catt's son, Angus, Home

Posted on behalf of Dr Christine De Nardo, Manager, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health

Our thoughts are with Sally Catt from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and her family as they surround their son Angus who is in an induced coma following a tragic accident that took place on 22 January. Please see below for a message from Sally posted to her Facebook page on 25 January, as well as a link to a fundraising page set up by family and friends. 

Sally, we send you collective strength and pray that you can bring Angus home soon. 

A message from Sally Catt posted to Facebook on 25 January: 

Most know now but for those that don't, eldest son Angus Catt has had a tragic fall on early hours of Sunday morning from a fourth floor rooftop in Seoul Korea- while holidaying with his brother Will Catt. He's had emergency surgery on his brain but has multiple injuries- and hasn't regained consciousness- he's in an induced coma and will not know anymore news of his chances of survival for the next few days but we are all hoping for a miracle. I'm now in Seoul with my niece Emily Swales, Will and his truly amazing Korean girlfriend Martina who has done so much to make this horrendous experience as smooth as possible . PCR test done and i'm allowed to visit him tomorrow . So grateful already for the outpouring of love, support and prayers. Angus has had the best xmas - holiday with cousins in aus and then in Korea - here are some recent happy snaps of this crazy gorgeous son of mine.   

An update (friday)

I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of love and support. I had my 15 minutes with Angus last night- it was amazing to hold him tight and talk to him- he is still in an induced coma and in the next days we will find out if he is able to breathe unassisted.

Help bring Angus home by donating here.

Working safely from home 2023

The hybrid working model will continue to be available for our professional staff (ongoing and fixed-term), subject to their supervisor's approval in 2023.

Please ensure you complete the Working safely from home – 2023 module via myDevelopment availale in my.monash. Upon successful completion of the module, you will be able to access the Working from home request form.

Australia Awards Fellowship (Round 18) Faculty internal EOI now open

Applications for Round 18 of the Australia Awards Fellowship are now open.

FUNDER

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Australia Awards Fellowship (Round 18)

BRIEF DETAILS

Australia Awards Fellowships offer eligible Australian organisations, from all sectors, the opportunity to deepen and broaden their links with leaders and professionals in developing countries by hosting  Fellows from overseas partner organisations. Australian organisations identify their relevant development expertise and submit a Fellowship proposal with an overall aim of:

• strengthening partnerships and links between Australian organisations and partner organisations in developing countries, in support of Australia’s strategic development objectives; and 
• increasing the capability and professional development of selected Fellows to advance priority development issues bilaterally, sub-regionally and/or regionally.

The program is designed to complement Australia’s individual bilateral and regional development programs and long-term scholarships by offering future leaders and mid-career professionals who will be in a position to advance priority development and foreign affairs issues on their return home. Fellowship activities aim to provide high-quality training, exchange of expertise, skills, and knowledge, and opportunities to enhance networks on issues of shared interest. Activities can include a combination of short-term study and/or training, research, professional attachments, and networking experiences.

AVAILABLE FUNDING

Funding of up to $30,000 per Fellow is offered on a competitive basis to Australian organisations to host Fellows from eligible countries for activities delivered both in Australia and offshore for between minimum 2 weeks and maximum 52 weeks, the majority (over 70%) of the Fellowship must be conducted in Australia. Australian organisations must demonstrate commitment to the program and ongoing collaboration by providing a co-contribution to the Fellowship costs.

UNIVERSITY LIMITS AND FACULTY EOI PROCESS

As per the scheme guidelines, Monash University may only submit a total of FIVE applications across the University and therefore an EOI process is in place.

The deadline for submission of EOI applications to the Faculty Research Office using the template is Monday 12 December at 10:00 AM (AEDT). There will be a Faculty review and shortlisting process to select the top 5 applications to proceed to the cross-Faculty review stage.

• Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the cross-Faculty review on or shortly after 10 January 2023. 
• The MRO deadline for compliance checks (via Pure) is 10:00 AM (AEDT) on 16 January 2023.  
• Final applications are due to the funder via the SmartyGrants online portal by 11:59 PM (AEDT) on Sunday 22 January 2023.  

NOTE: Please do not create a Pure record for your EOI. Only applications nominated by Monash for submission to the funder should be entered into Pure.

If you have any queries about the EOI process, please contact the Faculty Research Office (medicine.research@monash.edu).

Reporting COVID-19

Posted on behalf of Dr Christine De Nardo, Manager, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health

Dear Staff and Students, 

On Wednesday 29 November, there were 4,378 reported COVID cases in Victoria, with cases  predicted to peak next week before the rate of hospitalisations and infections begin to slow. This is a timely reminder to remain vigilant and not come to work if you are unwell or a household contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID. If you test positive, please follow the below steps:

• Notify your supervisor
• Isolate from work for at least 7 days (or until you are no longer symptomatic)
• Report your COVID case to the Department of Health and 
• Notify the University by completing the Contact Tracing form. This will ensure the University provides necessary support, including a deep clean of affected areas as required. 

Leave entitlements

Staff who have tested positive to COVID-19 and who are not well enough to work/cannot work from home are able to apply for leave as follows:

SICK LEAVE

• staff will be required to utilise their existing sick leave entitlements whilst they are absent from work. Staff who have exhausted their accrued sick leave, may apply to access existing special paid leave provisions subject to satisfactory medical evidence or a positive PCR Test.

ISOLATION LEAVE

• where required to isolate by a medical practitioner (due to their COVID infection or if they have come into contact with a person suffering from a notifiable disease), may apply for isolation leave for a defined period. See Application for Isolation Leave form.

Further COVID-19 Staff Guidelines can be accessed here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Stay well and look after each other.

Evacuation drills - Tuesday 29 November (MMC only)

As part of our regular emergency training, we will be conducting evacuation drills at the MMC site on Tuesday 29 November. This includes practice evacuation of MIMR Building, MHRP Building, and SCS areas in the TRF Building, E Block, and MHTP AF (in E Block Level 1 and F Block Level 1). 

Please participate in these drills, or indicate to the warden if you have sensitive laboratory or clinical work that you can't leave. 

For any issues, please email scs.ohs@monash.edu

Year end 2022 - key information

The Monash University’s financial year end is approaching; please make yourself aware of the key deadlines and processes relating to Year End 2022 available on the staff intranet.

Changes to year end 2022

Please note that there have been changes to the timing of some year end deadlines. They key changes are summarised as follows:

• Some deadlines that were previously first week of January are now late December
• Some deadlines that were previously second week of January are now first week of January
• Uplift in Financial Accounting review threshold of accruals, pre-payment and income in advance from $50,000 to $500,000.

Please take note of the deadlines relevant to you. Reminders will not be sent for deadlines.

The key close off dates are:

• Accounts Receivable (AR) ledger will close 5:00pm Tuesday 3 January 2023
• Accounts Payable (AP) ledger l close 5:00pm on Thursday 5 January 2023
• Access to all other Finance systems will close at 5pm, Tuesday 10 January 2023 for all Finance staff except Financial Accounting.
• Access to all Finance staff including Financial Accounting will close at COB Thursday 12 January 2023

All deadlines and processes are available on the Finance staff intranet. Please carefully review the deadlines to ensure the appropriate steps are taken to meet all required deadlines.

• Finance operations staff
• R&R staff
• Planning & Budgeting staff

Communicating with Monash staff (customers/clients)

Deadlines applicable to Monash staff are available on the Finance intranet and (as Pdf here) these will be communicated to via Workplace and Monash Insider. If you feel it's necessary for your client or customer group to receive specific communication please contact Finance Communications who will be happy to assist.

If you have any questions regarding the year end processes please contact Tina Pham on tina.pham@monash.edu

Increase your visibility - Update your SCS researcher profile page

Sent on behalf of Dr Christine De Nardo, Manager, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health

Many SCS researchers have a profile page within the SCS researchers web page.  These pages are a great way to showcase your research, especially for grant application purposes, being a one-stop-shop for all information regarding your research areas, graduate research projects and a link to your Pure profile.  

SCS researcher pages invite a lot of traffic, as these pages are widely used in all publications at the school and faculty level. As seen in the Google Analytics image below, there were 30,193 views over the last 12 months (overall, SCS website had 186,328 views in the last 12 months).

Click on the image for an enlarged version

We are in the process of showcasing these pages from the SCS home page and would like to ensure all these pages are updated with contents. If you have a researcher profile page and it is not updated, please email your contents to vithya.premkumar@monash.edu.

Below are some examples of the type of content showcased on the SCS researcher pages:

• https://www.monash.edu/medicine/scs/researchers/eric-morand
• https://www.monash.edu/medicine/scs/researchers/katrina-williams
• https://www.monash.edu/medicine/scs/researchers/atul-malhotra

Please email vithya.premkumar@monash.edu if you'd like further information.

NEW Clinical Trials Initiative provides grants up to $1,000,000

The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is excited to announce a new initiative to support novel immunotherapy clinical trials.

CRI is seeking protocol concepts for phase I/II or II studies from clinicians and academic researchers with the goal of advancing immunotherapies that will provide the greatest impact on patient outcomes.

Funding of up to $1M per study is available. CRI will prioritize selection of trials that address areas of high unmet need in cancer and seek mechanistic insights using deep correlative studies. To mazimize the impact of each clinical trial it funds, CRI will advise on selected studies to coordinate and optimize trial design and translational studies.

The deadline to submit an Initial Protocol Concept is December 1, 2022.

Please contact Ryan Godfrey at grants@cancerresearch.org for submission requirements and instructions on how to apply.

NHMRC 2023 Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) Grants – Now Open

The NHMRC CRE Grants scheme is now open for applications in Sapphire.

The objectives of the CRE grant scheme is:

• to improve health outcomes and promote or improve translation of research outcomes into policy and/or practice.
• The CRE scheme will also support researchers in capacity building activities, including in specific areas of need identified by NHMRC.

The expected outcomes are to:

• support the conduct and development of innovative, high quality, collaborative research
• promote effective translation of research into health policy and/or practice
• foster and build capacity in the health and medical research workforce
• provide opportunities to expand and improve collaborations between research teams.

Grant Guidelines and Grant Proposal Documents  - Available on GrantConnect  

Grant Guidelines and the Grant Proposal template are available on GrantConnect (GO5794). You will need to login to access the documents. Peer Review Guidelines will not be available before the scheme close.

MRO Submission Process Document - HERE

Minimum Data

NHMRC CRE Grants have a minimum data requirement.  Minimum data must be entered into Sapphire  by 17:00 AEST 16 November 2022.   Applications that fail to satisfy this requirement will not be accepted.   Minimum data for CRE Grants is comprised of:

• Application title
• Administering institution
• CRE Stream
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Research Focus (yes/no)
• Project synopsis
• NHMRC Privacy agreement (yes/no)
• Research Classification:
• Broad research area
• Field(s) of research
• Peer Review Areas
• Research keywords
• Chief Investigator A (CIA) (completed CIA Role, Name and Email)

The MRO will automatically begin checking applications to ensure they meet minimum data requirements in Sapphire from Wednesday 09 November 2022 and will contact you once this check has been completed. You do not need to contact us to request we check your minimum data.

 MRO Compliance & Eligibility Checking

 As required for submission, the MRO will be conducting eligibility and compliance checks of CRE Grant applications. The due date for a full draft to be provided to MRO (including Sapphire sections being completed with the Grant Proposal document) is 17 November 2022.  Only applications that meet the 17 November 2022 deadline will have a full check of the application.

 Key Dates

•  Applications open in Sapphire: 19 October 2022
•  Minimum data close: 17:00 AEDT 16 November 2022
•  MRO Compliance Check close: 17 November 2022* (for a full eligibility and compliance check)  
•  CI Certification of Finalised application: 10AM 28 November 2022
•  NHMRC external deadline: 17:00 AEDT 30 November 2022

Research Development Support

The Research Development Team may be available to review key sections of CRE grants, to provide a generalist review of the Knowledge Gain section (prioritising the first page and aspects of scheme fit), and to consider impact sections for key personnel. 

If you'd like to participate, please contact mro.researchdevelopment@monash.edu for a discussion ahead of the minimum data deadline.

 Please contact the MRO Applications team if you have any questions.

PhD scholarship opportunity: Development of a Revolutionary Heart Assist Device

A PhD position is available at Monash University in collaboration with QHeart Medical to work on an intra-aortic balloon heart assist device project. A fully funded scholarship is available for the successful applicant for this project running under a Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRC-P) between Monash University and QHeart Medical and other prestigious research centres.

QHeart Medical is developing an interventionally implanted intra-aortic balloon (IAB) device for the treatment of hypertension and hypertensive heart failure. The goal is to develop a medical device therapy to address the unmet clinical need for the management of drug resistant hypertension and moderate heart failure (HF) which has high incidence, declining health, poor quality of life, and high mortality, and have huge treatment costs.

There is opportunity for the PhD candidate to be involved in different aspects of the research and development of the device, from mechanical & electronic design, fabrication (including FEA and CFD analysis), advanced nano-biomaterials, bench and animal testing, and clinical testing procedures.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (i.e. medicine / science/ biomedical / mechanical / materials / mechatronics / chemical),
• A passion for biomedical devices and or new clinical therapy development,
• Completed research experience (through undergraduate thesis, placements, or research assistant position),
• Full English professional proficiency.

The project has excellent supervision and mentoring from Professor Julian Smith, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Monash Health & Monash University, and Dr Peter Walsh, founder at QHeart Medical. Ideally the scholar will be based in Brisbane, Queensland, and enrolled through Monash University, however, alternative arrangements can be discussed.

• Check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Monash University
• Find out more

Online symposium: Food Security in Australia - leave no-one behind

Join us during Anti-Poverty Week (Tuesday 18 October 2022 10-11.45am) for this online symposium   'Food Security in Australia - leave no-one behind', brought to you by Australia's S.H.A.R.E. Collaboration. A group of researchers from Universities around the country working towards Solutions supporting Household Food Security in Australia through Research and Evidence. 

You will hear from international (Joel Berg, Hunger Free America and MaryAnne MacLeod, Food Insecurity Team, Scottish Government)  and Australian leaders (including researchers for Monash's Dept of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food) as they reflect on key lessons learnt to move the food insecurity discourse towards new and effective solutions. You will then be part of a call to action to progress this agenda in Australia.

• Free registration here
• Flyer
• Event enquiries to Sue Kleve  suzanne.kleve@monash.edu 

Workshop on partnerships with philanthropic and impact investors

This workshop, convened in partnership with External Relations, Alumni and Development (ERDA), will be held 09:00-12:00 on 27th October. It will focus on what it takes to build deep and enduring partnerships with philanthropic foundations and impact investors as we seek to tackle the challenges of the age aligned with Impact 2030. Hearing from leading external voices in the philanthropy sector and key academics, we will consider:

• How do we go beyond transactional funding requests to building transformational partnerships with funders that drive impact at scale?

• How is the global philanthropic sector defining impact in partnerships and how do they perceive the role of universities? 

• What are the emerging trends in the philanthropic funding space and how can we as individuals, teams and the university position ourselves to meet them? 

• What lessons can we learn (good and bad) from previous Monash experiences to avoid repeating past mistakes and to improve program design that fosters growth and scaling of philanthropic partnerships?

When? - 09:00-12:00, 27 October 2022, followed by optional networking lunch

Where? -  The ‘Chancellery Room’, ground floor, Chancellery building, Clayton

Agenda? - The draft agenda is attached. 

• 09:00-10:15am - Session 1: Q&A ‘fireside chat’ with invited senior representatives of philanthropic and impact investing organisations.

• 10.15-10:45am - Morning tea and networking with invited panellists 

• 10.45-12:00pm - Session 2: Deep-dive session with key academics who have a track record of partnering with philanthropy for impact. This session provides an opportunity to hear first about the opportunities, challenges and lessons learned across four different case studies. 

Why participate? - Learn from invited sector leaders about trends and headwinds; Connect with colleagues beyond your faculty, institute and discipline; learn from others about their experience; understand the role that ERDA plays in supporting the development of partnerships and be part of this emerging community of practice.  

Who? - The workshop is open to all Monash staff. Both academic and professional staff are welcome, at all levels. Participant numbers are limited.

How? - Register on this link

Can’t make it on the day, but want to be kept informed? - register on the link and we will keep you updated (i.e. we will send you the workshop report).

What’s the ‘2022 Global Impact Workshop Series’? Our aim is to stocktake ‘who is doing what’ with the global impact sector and identify ways we can better collaborate with partners to scale our impact in line with Impact 2030’s ambitions. 

• Workshop 1, held on the 25th March, focused on our engagement with the United Nations (i.e. the World Health Organisation, UN-Women) and multilateral development banks (i.e World Bank, ADB) (see: Workshop 1 slides and Workshop 1 report here). 

• Workshop 2, held on 25th August, focused on partnerships with traditional government development/aid funders (e.g. DFAT, MFAT, USAID); international non-governmental organisations (i-NGOs) (e.g. Oxfam, Plan International); and for-profit private organisations (e.g. Cardno, GHD). (see Workshop 2 slides and Workshop 2 report here). 

• Workshop 3, planned for 27th October, is the final workshop in the series and will explore partnerships with philanthropic trusts and foundations.

Take a look at the agenda and if you’re interested, register today for the event here: on this link. Please also share this email with your Monash colleagues and networks.

 

For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Matthew French, Director Research Missions and Global Impact <matthew.french@monash.edu>. 

Welcome to Kelly Adlington, SCS Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator

Posted on behalf of Dr Vanalysa Ly, Research Manager, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health

I am pleased to welcome Kelly Adlington to the School Research Office to the newly created position of Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator

Kelly is currently finishing a PhD in Medical research and joins our team from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. She has a research background where she focussed on determining the effect of α-actinin 3 deficiency on the regulation of skeletal muscle mass and response to androgens.

With Kelly joining the team there will be an important change in commercially sponsored clinical trial workflow in the School Research Office. Please direct all questions to the clinical trial role account (scs-research1@monash.edu) so that with Kelly or I can respond to you in a timely manner.

Please make Kelly welcome.

SCS staff receive Dean's Awards for Excellence

The Dean's Awards for Excellence were announced recently and SCS is delighted to report that five staff members have been recognised for their outstanding achievement within the Faculty.   

• Dr Tammie Choi, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics - Excellence in Education (Innovation in Learning and Teaching)
• Dr Filippe Oliveira, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology - Excellence in Education (Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning)
• A/Prof Joshua Ooi, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases - Excellence in Research (Enterprise)
• Rebecca Preston, SCS Finance Manager - Excellence in Professional Staff
• Dr Roshan Selvaratnam, Hudson Institute of Medical Research - Excellence in Doctoral Thesis

Find out more about SCS staff Dean's Awards for Excellence from the videos below:

Dr Tammie Choi

Dr Tammie Choi, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics - Excellence in Education (Innovation in Learning and Teaching)

Dr Tammie Choi is leading research on teaching and supporting international and culturally diverse students in health profession training. 

"The challenges we faced during the COVID-19 pandemic created opportunities to change and trial new education activities.  I am grateful to work in a collaborative team and thrive to optimise the learning experience for our students," said Dr Choi.

Dr Filippe Oliveira

Dr Filippe Oliveira, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology - Excellence in Education (Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning)

Dr Filippe Oliveira convenes a Biomedical Science and Science undergraduate unit (BME3082 - Fetal and Neonatal Development, which is consistently ranked 'Outstanding' and in the top 9% of units at Monash University. 

"I am honoured to receive this award and I would like to share this recognition of contribution to the quality of student learning with my colleagues and students in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and The Ritchie Centre," said Dr Oliveira.

A/Prof Joshua Ooi

A/Prof Joshua Ooi, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases - Excellence in Research (Enterprise)

A/Prof Joshua Ooi's research has received international recognition on the discovery of the key cause of autoimmune diseases.

"This has been a team effort and I have many people to thank for our success. Prof Eric Morand has been instrumental as a mentor and close collaborator, Peter Eggenhuizen, Janet Chang and Rachel Cheong for being brave enough to embark on this from the beginning. It's been a rewarding experiece and I look forward to translating our cell based products into therapies for autoimmune diseases," said A/Prof Ooi.

Rebecca Preston

Rebecca Preston, SCS Finance Manager - Excellence in Professional Staff

Rebecca Preston's greatest achievement in her role as the Finance Manager has been managing the significant growth of SCS over the last 15 years and has has gone above and beyond this year, also taking on the role of Acting School Manager, which she has executed with the same diligence and collaborative approach to her finance role.

"Thank you to Peter Ebeling and Clare Westhorpe for this nomination, and of course my amazing colleagues for their endorsements. I have been with SCS for 15 years and have loved watching it change and grow substantially.  Coming to work is easy when I work with such fabulous people!", said Rebecca Preston.

Dr Roshan Selvaratnam, Hudson Institute of Medical Research - Excellence in Doctoral Thesis

Dr Roshan Selvaratnam

Dr Roshan Selvaratnam's PhD focused on improving the detection and management of fetal growth restriction in the drive to reduce stillbirth.

"I am incredibly honoured to receive this award.  It is a testament to my supervisors - Dr Mary-Ann Davey and Prof Euan Wallace, all my collaborators, the organisations that have supported me, and the Victorian mothers and babies who have allowed me to use their stories and data to make meaningful contributions to pregnancy care in Victoria," said Dr Selvaratnam.