Dr Maria Kaparakis-Liaskos is one of 10 leading young researchers who will be recognised with a prestigious Young Tall Poppy Science Award in a ceremony at Swinburne University on Monday, 7 November.
The Tall Poppy awards are run by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) to honour up-and-coming scientists who combine world-class research with a passionate commitment to communicating science.
Based at Hudson’s Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Dr Maria Kaparakis-Liaskos’ research seeks to alleviate the enormous impact of bacterial infections by determining how bacteria causes disease in humans and how the immune system detects and defends against invasion.
Dr Kaparakis-Liaskos’ research has identified a novel method used by all bacteria to cause disease. Her findings have already been applied by international researchers to other bacterial infections including meningitis, typhoid fever, and cholera.
The awards are held on a state by state basis to celebrate researchers across science, engineering and mathematics.
This year’s winners demonstrate the diversity of research being carried out in Victoria, from ADHD to artificial intelligence and gravitational waves.
“Many Young Tall Poppies go on to become inspiring leaders in their field,” said AIPS General Manager, Ms Camille Thomson.
“They are also helping to be positive Science ambassadors by working with the education and community sectors to encourage greater engagement in science,” she said.
As part of the Young Tall Poppy campaign, award winners will spend a year sharing their knowledge with school students, teachers and the broader community through workshops, seminars and public lectures.
Young Tall Poppies are nominated by their peers and are early career researchers who have under ten years’ post-doctoral experience. Selection is based on research achievement and leadership potential. Over 500 young scientists have been honoured nationally since the awards were established in 2000.
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