Premier calls for applications for 2014 PAHMR

Premier Denis Napthine has called for up-and-coming innovators in the health and medical research sector to apply for the 2014 Premier’s Award for Health and Medical Research (PAHMR).

Celebrating its 20th year in 2014, the PAHMR recognises the exceptional achievements of Victoria’s early career medical researchers and is being administered by veski in conjunction with the Department of State Development, Business and Innovation.

“Early career researchers bring new ideas and a fresh approach that will make a vital contribution to the livelihood of medical research in Victoria,” Dr Napthine said. 

“Victoria has an outstanding reputation for our depth of knowledge in medical research and we must continue to acknowledge the young and talented individuals that will change the lives of so many.”

The Premier’s Award for Health and Medical Research includes $40,000 in prize money, with PAHMR recipient receiving $16,000, and the three commendees $8,000 to further their post-graduate research studies.

Dr Napthine said the Victorian Coalition Government was committed to supporting the future of Victorian health and medical research.

“Since its inception by the Kennett Government in 1995, the Premier’s Award has honoured more than 70 individuals across a variety of fields including public health, health services, and clinical research,” Dr Napthine said.

“Our award winners are future leaders in health and medicine, whose research could lead to discoveries in areas such as cancer, heart disease, HIV and beyond.”

The inaugural recipient of the Premier’s Award, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Australia Fellow, Professor Shaun Jackson, went on to co-found the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases at Monash University. 

Mr Jackson also founded Kinacia, an Australian biotechnology company that develops new diagnostic and therapeutic products to prevent blood clotting.

Last year’s recipient, Dr Aung Ko Win, was recgonised for his research in the area of colorectal cancer.

Dr Win’s research led to discovering an early identification method for people most at risk of developing the disease, as well as aid the discovery of new risk factors of the cancer.

“The possibilities in health and medical research are endless. It is essential that we continue to foster the ambition and drive of these emerging leaders,” Dr Napthine said. 

Applications are open until Friday, 14 March with the recipients to be announced in the middle of the year. 

For more information, please visit www.business.vic.gov.au/premiersaward