A diverse group of scientists from The University of Western Australia have been recognised for their research and passion for communicating science beyond the walls of the laboratory.
Four of the nine 2024 WA Young Tall Poppy award finalists announced by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science are from UWA.
Forrest Fellow Dr Neil Robinson, from UWA’s Department of Chemical Engineering, works on designing porous materials for energy and decarbonisation applications, including the transformation of hydrogen into easily transportable liquids, and the production of low-carbon fuels from waste.
“I’m really honoured to receive this recognition,” Dr Robinson said. “Energy is such an important topic — one that impacts every moment of our lives.
“Enhancing scientific engagement in this area is critical in accomplishing an energy transition that is valued and sustained across the entire community, and it’s a privilege to get to talk about my research in such an important context.”
Lecturer and Research Fellow Dr Kelsey Pool, from UWA’s School of Agriculture and Environment, works with the livestock industry to understand how the environment challenges reproduction, allowing modelling of trends in reproductive health for both livestock and humans.
“I’m grateful that the Young Tall Poppy award recognises not only research, but importantly impact and outreach,” Dr Pool said.
“Despite being critical for translating science, and particularly agricultural science, researcher engagement with the community is often overlooked and undervalued.”
NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow Dr Lucy Furfaro, from UWA’s Medical School, leads research to tackle infections during pregnancy and early-life by using the natural predators of bacteria known as bacteriophages.
“It is a real privilege to be among the 2024 Young Tall Poppies and an opportunity to thank all of the mums involved in my research for their support towards preventing infection,” Dr Furfaro said.
Dr Danuta Sampson, from UWA’s School of Allied Health and a Senior Research Fellow at the Lions Eye Institute, designs and constructs non-invasive imaging instruments and develops standardised workflows for ophthalmic image and data analysis.
“Being selected is an incredible honour and reassurance that my research contribution and STEM outreach efforts are important and positively impact society,” Dr Sampson said.
“A big thank you to my mentors, colleagues, students and collaborators who have been a part of this endeavour.”
The WA Young Tall Poppy awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 19 September where an overall winner will be announced.
Image above: Dr Kelsey Pool, Dr Lucy Furfaro, Dr Neil Robinson and Dr Danuta Sampson