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Researchers Inspire Next-Gen
Posted 18 August 2010
Some of Victoria’s brightest young scientists are taking time out from their laboratory research to meet and inspire the next generation of medical researchers.
Nineteen researchers from leading medical research organisations in Melbourne are participating in a one week tour of schools across Victorian regional centres. The schools tour is organised by the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) and this year takes place during National Science Week.
For a number of years ASMR has sent researchers out to met and talk to high school students in regional centre and to raise awareness of the rewarding careers in medical research.
“In previous years we have been very warmly welcomed by local communities. This is a fantastic opportunity for science teachers and students to learn about medical research undertaken in Victorian institutes and Universities and to meet inspiring young scientists who play a vital part in our world leading health discoveries“ said ASMR Regional Tour Coordinator Dr Natalie Hannan.
This year, six of the twenty researchers participating in the tour come from a single research organisation, Prince Henry’s Institute (PHI). The Institute is Australia's leading centre for hormone and reproductive medicine research.
One PHI researcher participating in the tour is Dr Amanda Rickard whose studies are investigating cells in the human body that are important in high blood pressure and heart disease, conditions which affect millions of Australians.
Jyothsna Rao, who recently completed her PhD at PHI, has compelling personal reasons for being a medical researcher. A family history of Type II diabetes has inspired her own research to understand how hormones affect the progression of this common condition.
PHI researcher Dr Mai Sarraj loved both art and science as a high school student, but chose to pursue a career in medical research. Mai studies the genes and proteins that make a boy a boy and a girl a girl.
Dr Jemma Evans joined the Institute team in 2008 and studies the ways that a developing embryo communicates with the mother to achieve and maintain a healthy pregnancy.
The regional schools tour is supported by The Victorian Government Department of Innovation and Regional Development with additional support from the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Touring Schedule of PHI Researchers
Mon 16 Aug
PHI Researchers in Eastern Victoria schools: Jenna Haverfield, Dr Maree Bilandzic
- Sale College
- Sale Catholic College
Wed 18 Aug / Thurs 19 Aug
PHI Researchers in Northern Victorian schools: Dr Amanda Rickard
- Mansfield Secondary College
- Benalla College
- Yarrawonga Colle
- Wodonga Senior Secondary College
Fri 20 Aug
PHI Researchers in Wallan schools: Dr Mai Sarraj, Dr Jemma Evans, Jyothsna Rao
- Wallan Secondary College
More Information
Prince Henry's Institute(PHI) is Australia's leading centre for hormones and reproductive medicine research. The institute has over 160 staff and students and our vision is to improve quality of life through the investigation of hormones in the fields of reproductive health, cancer, diabetes, obesity, bone health and cardiovascular disease. PHI is an independent not-for-profit medical research institute based at Monash Medical Centre in Victoria, Australia. www.princehenrys.org
The Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) is the peak professional society representing Australian health and medical research. In addition to direct members, ASMR represents an additional 18,000 people actively involved in health and medical research through affiliated professional societies and Medical Colleges. The Society has a long established role in public, political and scientific advocacy. www.asmr.org.au