Bupa 2018 Emerging Health Research Award announced

Health insurer Bupa has announced the finalists for the Bupa Health Foundation 2018 Emerging Health Researcher Award.

Now in its seventh year, the awards aim to highlight the important contribution that early career researchers make toward improving health and healthcare for Australians.

“We’re delighted that these awards acknowledge researchers at varying stages of the research pipeline, who are focused on incorporating translation into their work,” Bupa Health Foundation executive leader Annette Schmiede said. “Being able to highlight and encourage early career researchers throughout the health and medical research sector helps to ensure Australia continues to produce world-class leaders.”

“The role of the Foundation is not only to support research through funding and partnerships, but also to develop the capabilities, skills and networks of researchers to improve the translation of their findings to have real impact on health and care.”

The finalists include:

• Dr Katrina Champion, Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, NDARC, University of New South Wales. Her research focuses on the use of technology to improve the physical and mental health of Australian adolescents.
   
• Dr Jennifer Huynh, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI). Her research aims to identify new therapies for colorectal cancer using the immune system.
   
• Dr Quan Huynh, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. His research programme seeks to reduce hospital readmission and death after heart failure.
   
• Dr Serene Yoong, University of Newcastle. Her research work primarily aims to reduce obesity through nutrition guidelines and programs.

Each of the finalists will receive a $5,000 prize to further their research careers. The Bupa Health Foundation Emerging Health Researcher Award recipient will be announced on December 05 at an evening event in Melbourne and will receive a further $20,000.

In addition to the four finalists, four outstanding nominees have been recognised with Commendation Awards and will receive a $1,000 prize:

• Dr Jing Jing Wang, Flinders University of South Australia
• Dr Natalie Bradford, Queensland University of Technology
• Dr Annmarie Hosie, University of Technology Sydney
• Dr Bridget Kelly, School of Health and Society and Early Start, University of Wollongong.