Meet UQ’s 2020 Young Tall Poppies

University of Queensland scientists have been rewarded for their work tackling diseases burdening the healthcare system and conserving threatened native species with 2020 Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Awards.

Associate Professor Sumaira Hasnain, Dr Fernando Fonseca Guimaraes and Dr April Reside have received the prestigious annual awards which celebrate outstanding young scientists who demonstrate excellence in both research and science communication.

Dr Sumaira Hasnain is devising new immunotherapy treatments to help aid recovery for patients with chronic inflammation associated with diabetes and bowel disease.

“My goal is to produce a treatment that can generate appropriate immune responses, and stop inflammation becoming chronic in the first place,” Dr Hasnain said.

“This will revolutionise the way we treat people, how long they spend in hospital and ultimately improve their quality of life.

“I’m very humbled that my work has been recognised by the Australian science community and I’m looking forward to seeing my research advance further.”

Dr Fernando Fonseca Guimaraes is focused on the development of immunotherapy drugs that enhance natural killer (NK) cells to have ‘super killer’ strength to fight metastasis, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia, particularly melanoma.

“I hope to find a breakthrough in immunotherapy which will lead to trials within the next five years and ultimately a cure for metastatic cancer,” he said.

“It’s an honour to receive this award and I am grateful to everyone who has helped me in my research across the years.”

Faculty of Science researcher Dr April Reside has also been named a Young Tall Poppy for her research conserving threatened species.

“My research brings together information on species, particular those facing extinction, and their threats, as well as the actions required to address the threats,” she said.

“By examining the costs and benefits of these different actions, we can be more effective at saving our native species.

“While it’s nice to be recognised and receive this award, my focus remains on continuing my work conserving threatened species – in particular my work protecting the black-throated finch from extinction.”

UQ’s 2020 Tall Poppy Award recipients will also take part in activities to promote science among school students and teachers, as well the broader community.

Media: Associate Professor Sumaira Hasnain, sumaira.hasnain@mater.uq.edu.au; Dr Fernando Fonseca Guimaraes, f.guimaraes@uq.edu.au; Faculty of Medicine, med.media@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3365 5118, +61 436 368 746; Dr April Reside, a.reside@uq.edu.au, +61 427 926 367; Dominic Jarvis, Dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.