On the 18th of the February 2016, Research Excellence Awards was Inaugurated at Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI). Three of the top research programs at CMRI were recognised for their excellence in medical research, with a total of $300,000 granted in the categories of Outstanding Research Idea (one award) and Outstanding Research Achievement (two awards). Nobel Laureate, Professor Thomas Cech and the Minister for Medical Research, The Hon Pru Goward attended the event.

Dr Tony Cesare took out the Research Excellence Award for Outstanding Research Idea, with his vision to develop a rapid method for assessing the health of telomeres. Associate Professor Robyn Jamieson and Associate Professor Tracy Bryan and their teams have each been awarded $100,000 for their research achievements over the last 12 months. A/Prof Bryan discovered a cause of bone marrow failure, and A/Prof Jamieson discovered a cause for blindness.

“Leading Australian scientists reviewed the applications for these awards, and all agreed the submissions were of high quality and international merit,” CMRI Director, Professor Roger Reddel said.

“The work of CMRI’s scientists continues to be crucial for understanding and treating illness in children and also has a longer-term positive effect on the health of the people of, not only New South Wales, but globally, as ground-breaking medical discoveries transform the health of the community,” Mr Xiangmo Huang said.

“We are very grateful to Mr Huang Xiangmo, Chairman of the Yuhu Group and Chairman of the Research Excellence Foundation, and to the Zhiwei Group and Chuang Xiu Investments for their commitment to long-term support of excellent research through the Research Excellence Awards,” Professor Reddel said.