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Thursday, 20 November 2014

Three emerging scientists from The University of Western Australia have been chosen from disciplines spanning Cancer treatments, Effects of Exercise and Nanotechnology to be recognised as the State's brightest young researchers in this year's prestigious Tall Poppy Awards.

Dr Brendan Kennedy from the UWA School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering has led the development of micro-elastography, an innovative imaging technique that identifies Breast Cancer tumours based on their stiffness. Very soon he hopes that the technique will be providing surgeons with a new tool to improve assessment and removal of cancer during surgery.

Iron deficiency is the world's most common nutrient disorder and is suggested to impact up to 11% and 35% of male and female athletes, respectively.  Dr Peter Peeling from the UWA School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health investigates the impact of iron and its associated regulating hormones on the human body.  Dr Peeling's research has shown that one of the main hormones the body produced to regulate the absorption of iron increases with exercise.

Dr Tristan Clemons studies the synthesis and application of polymeric nanoparticles suitable for the delivery of therapeutics.  In heart attack victims, Tristan's research is aiming to deliver drugs to cells that are vulnerable to the injury but that could be saved.  Such treatments will hopefully result in increased cell survival and could result in improved patient survival.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Paul Johnson said: "This is a wonderful achievement and due recognition for the outstanding contributions to science that these young researchers are making. It is also a great reflection on their mentors at UWA."

AIPS General Manager Camille Thomson said the awards, which are held state-by-state, celebrate the country's best and brightest young achievers across the sciences.

"Many Young Tall Poppies go on to achieve even greater things and to become inspiring leaders in their field," she said.  "They also become role models by working with the education and community sectors to encourage greater engagement in science."

As part of the Young Tall Poppy campaign, award winners will spend a year sharing their knowledge with school students, teachers and the broader community through workshops, seminars and public lectures.

Young Tall Poppies are nominated by their peers and are early career researchers aged 35 or under.  Selection is based on research achievement and leadership potential.  More than 300 young scientists have been honoured nationally since the award was established in 2000.

Media references

Camille Thomson (AIPS General Manager)  (+61 4) 13 694 641
David Stacey (UWA Media Manager)  (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716

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