A large group of inspiring researchers delivered presentations at the inaugural Kolling Institute Symposium, highlighting the strength of research underway at the institute.
Close to a hundred people attended the event at the Northside Conference Centre focusing on the key themes of collaboration, innovation and wellbeing.
Senior researchers and up-and-coming investigators took to the stage, outlining the progress being made with the Kolling’s basic science right through to its crucial implementation research.
Academic Director Professor James Elliott said it was evident that significant achievements are being delivered, and I would like to recognise the considerable efforts by all our researchers from our heart and kidney disease scientists through to our neuroscience and pain, and musculoskeletal investigators.
“It’s during big events like this one where we gain a much better idea of the ground-breaking work being undertaken at the Kolling and where we have the chance to meet with like-minded investigators from other teams.
“It was also encouraging to hear from four consumer representatives who generously discussed their personal health experience. They provided crucial feedback on how to further involve consumers in our research community and future strategic initiatives.”
Professor Elliott said the symposium was part of the overarching research strategy to raise the profile of the Kolling, its impressive researchers and its valuable work.
“The event complemented the large collection of seminars and events we held throughout the year, and I am sure it went a long way towards broadening awareness of our potentially life-changing research and impact.”
At the event Professor Elliott announced the successful recipients of the 2023 Kolling Awards. This year eight researchers received an award across the following five categories.
Clinical Research Dr Vicki Duong and Dr Sumit Sahni
Discovery Research Professor Jose Antonio Lopez-Escamez
PhD completion Dr Natassia Rodrigo
PhD supervision Associate Professor Claire Ashton-James and Dr Ryan Davis
Professional Staff Quoc Nguyen (non-technical staff) and Shihani Stoner (technical staff)
Professor Elliott said I would like to thank the Workforce and Culture Research Enabler and the Kolling Executive Committee for their co-ordination and support of the awards. It’s so important we acknowledge both our emerging and established leaders, and those having a remarkable impact with their research.
"I would also like to acknowledge the researchers and professional staff for their tremendous commitment and contribution towards our research success.
"Each of these award winners is driving substantial improvements in their individual areas of expertise, and I’m pleased that we’re able to direct the spotlight onto their significant achievements through the Kolling awards program."