UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards

The University of Queensland has honoured seven of its early-career researchers with special funding totalling nearly half a million dollars.

The grants are part of the UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - a pioneering initiative in Australian higher education, which is now in its second year. The winners, who were presented with their awards at a function at Brisbane's Customs House on October 2, are:

- Dr Bostjan Kobe for his work on the replication mechanisms of retroviruses. This research is looking specifically at human T-cell leukemia;
- Dr James Tresilian for his research into visual/motor coordination. His project could help solve problems relating to road safety and stroke rehabilitation;
- Dr Helen Gilbert for her proposed co-authored book on Asian influences in Australian theatre. This research will help to sharpen current debates about racial representation, multiculturalism and contemporary cultural politics;
- Dr Michael Lee for his work on the evolution of turtles and crocodiles. Dr Lee is to use molecular analysis to resolve some highly controversial issues in evolutionary theory;
- Dr Peter Adams for his project on computational mathematics. Dr Adams has found a way of generating enormous computing power through a network of PCs;
- Dr Stuart Phinn for his work on environmental monitoring. His project will enable images collected from satellites to monitor changes in environmental health from local to global scales; and
- Dr Lars Nielsen for his work on blood cell formation. Dr Nielsen's research is aimed at making bone marrow transplants more effective.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay said the award winners illustrated UQ's comprehensiveness.

"Some of this innovative research will play an important role in helping Australia achieve and maintain a competitive edge in the global economy, while other projects give us new insights into our culture or life on Earth," Professor Hay said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Paul Greenfield said the awards further enhanced UQ's international reputation by demonstrating the outstanding nature of the university's early career researchers.

"The funding of up to $85,000 each provided by these awards will allow the winners to develop further their research, enter new areas of study or in one case complete a book," Professor Greenfield said.

For more information contact Peter McCutcheon at UQ Communications on 07 3365 1088, 0413 380 012 or email communications@mailbox.uq.edu.au