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PHI nurtures Tall Poppies in medical research
Posted 23 September 2010
Two scientists from Prince Henry's Institute (PHI) are taking leading roles in a campaign that promotes the excitement and importance of science and technology research to school students and the wider community.
Dr Natalie Hannan is one of the Young Tall Poppy Science awardees to be announced on 23 September. Natalie recently completed her doctoral training at PHI with Professor Lois Salamonsen. She joins eight other Tall Poppy award winners in Victoria this year.
The Young Tall Poppy Science awards are made annually and supported by both State and Federal governments as well as four major Victorian universities.
"These prestigious awards uniquely acknowledge the recipients' research achievements alongside their capacity and commitment to communicate science and its significance to the community and social outcomes" said Pamela McLeod, Victorian Tall Poppy Campaign Manager.
This awards acknowledges Dr Natalie Hannan's research which focuses on how a healthy pregnancy is established. In particular her research is understanding the critical interactions between the early embryo and the lining of the womb. A successful pregnancy can only occur during a four day window in a woman's cycle each month when the womb becomes receptive to the embryo. Dr Hannan hopes her discoveries in the laboratory will help some of the one in seven Australian couples who have difficulty having a baby.
Dr Hannan is passionate about explaining the importance of medical research to the community. In the last five years she has spoken to thousands of Victorian school students.
"I hope that students I meet will not only be as excited as I am about the science of today but that I will encourage talented students to consider a rewarding career as a medical researcher" says Dr Hannan.
Dr Hannan follows in the footsteps of Dr Sarah Meachem, a senior researcher at PHI, who is also a former Tall Poppy winner. Dr Meachem is now taking a mentoring role as the Victorian Ambassador for the program.
Dr Sarah Meachem's medical research has also been focussed on improving reproductive health, but in her case the discoveries have led to a better understanding of male fertility problems. She says that it is surprising many members of the community do not appreciate about that half of fertility problems are due to "male factors".
Dr Meachem has been a consistent advocate for improving community education and policy development in science and technology.
"Young scientists can grow their communication skills and benefit their careers by participating in programs such as the Tall Poppies campaign. The Tall Poppy campaign is an excellent initiative that helps identify and recognise our scientific leaders of tomorrow" says Dr Meachem.
PHI is acknowledged as a leading independent research hub for reproductive health. It was established 50 years ago as a research centre at Prince Henry's Hospital and is now based at Monash Medical Centre Clayton.