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Health researchers shine at state STEM awards

Two talented College of Health and Medicine researchers were amongst the five recipients of this year’s Tasmanian STEM Excellence Awards.

Dr Lila Landowski, a neuroscientist with the School of Medicine, a science communicator and science advocate, was awarded the Tasmanian STEM Communicator of the Year award for her work making science more accessible and clearly communicated to people.

“It is a huge privilege to be acknowledged in this way, and hear that people value science communication,” Dr Landowski said.

“But we need more than just ‘doing’ science to make our world better and undo the mistakes we’ve been making - we also need to communicate science.

“We’ve got climate change, polluted seas and skies - and one of the best ways our population as a whole can deal with that is by education and awareness.”

Dr Carlie Cullen, an early career neuroscientist at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, received the Tasmanian Young STEM Researcher award for her research in the field of transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

“I am unbelievably honoured and humbled to be named Tasmanian STEM Young Researcher of the Year 2019 and while I am the one receiving this award, it is the culmination of not just my hard work, but that of the incredible team that I have the privilege to work with,” Dr Cullen said.

“I moved to Tasmania five years ago to join the amazing team at Menzies Institute for Medical Research and I have been consistently impressed with the community support for science, so it is exciting that my research has the potential to give something back.”

The awards which were presented at the Medical Sciences Precinct by Minister for Science and Technology, The Hon. Michael Ferguson, MP, recognise Tasmanian leaders in innovation, education and communications and have a total prize pool of $30,000.

The 2019 award categories were STEM Researcher of the Year, Young STEM Researcher of the Year, STEM Primary Teacher of the Year, STEM Secondary Teacher of the Year, STEM Communicator of the Year, and STEM Innovation of the Year.

The awards have been held for the past four years and are supported by the University of Tasmania, the Department of State growth and Inspiring Australia.

Published on: 21 Nov 2019 10:50am