Young UQ researcher to network with Nobel Prize winners

A young researcher from The University of Queensland will network with Nobel Prize winners in Germany at one of the world’s most prestigious annual science events.

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences PhD candidate Michael Bergin will join an elite group of young researchers from around the globe at the 64^th Meeting of Nobel Laureates, in Lindau, Germany from 29 June to 4 July.

Mr Bergin said the meeting would have a profound impact on his career as a scientist and a clinician.

“To achieve my ultimate career goal of solving how the nervous system adapts to pain, I must work with a diverse group of scientists outside of my primary field, and the Lindau meeting will allow me this opportunity,” Mr Bergin said.

UQ School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences head Professor Louise Hickson said the Lindau meeting would be of immense benefit to Michael’s career.

“The meeting will give him the unrivalled opportunity to interact with a diverse group of future scientific leaders, to develop new and innovative ideas and to think deeply about his future career.

“His selection is a tribute to his passion to succeed in his health and medical research career,” she said.

Professor Hickson said Mr Bergin had strong leadership skills, and was a  member of the UQ Academic Board and its Research and Research Higher Degree sub-committees, President of the UQ Association of Postgraduate Students, and a student ambassador for the Student Leadership in International Cooperation program trip to China.

Mr Bergin’s travel to Europe will be  supported by the Australian Academy of Science, through $6000from the Science and Industry Endowment Fund.

Mr Bergin will attend Science at the Shine Dome 2014, the annual celebration of science held at the Academy of Science in Canberra in May

Contact: UQ Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences Senior Media and Communications Officer Kirsten O'Leary, +61 7 3366 3035, k.oleary@uq.edu.au.