Dr Lila Landowski's passion for medical research was sparked at a young age.
“At a school camp in Year 7, I caught my first fish. I’d heard that shark liver oil had magical health benefits (this turned out to be false, of course) and I remember looking at the fish slime on my hands, wondering if it had the same magic.
“That moment first inspired me to work in medical research; to pursue a career with the potential to discover something that could really change lives for the better.
When I got older and discovered what a PhD was, I knew that would be where I ultimately took my studies. I really am living the dream I had as a young girl.
Lila completed her PhD in 2014 and now works with the School of Medicine at the University of Tasmania, investigating stroke and nerve regeneration through her research. She credits her time studying for a PhD for teaching her the importance of scientific method.
“In a time when there is so much misinformation in the world, it can be very challenging to separate the truth from misguided passion and opinion; what do we believe, and who do we listen to and trust?
My research career has taught me the value of scientific method. That to find the truth, you need an evidence-based approach that separates fact from fiction.
As a researcher at the University of Tasmania, Lila’s accomplishments have been recognised in state- and national-level awards. Lila herself now supervises PhD students, helping to mentor the medical researchers of the future.
“Behind the scenes in medicine, researchers are the unseen heroes that are responsible for discovering new treatments and medications that can save lives. Every new medicine is born from the hard work of countless researchers working towards the same goal, all around the world.
My PhD launched my research career, and ultimately enabled me to do work that really contributes something to society.
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