Two talented young scientists were awarded Research Advancement Awards to support their PhD studies at The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience from 2015.
The prestigious awards are offered to upcoming PhD students with demonstrated potential to become future leaders in science, and are a great incentive to keep our best and brightest researchers here in Brisbane.
This years winners, Emily Furlong and Claudia Stocks, will each receive a $30,000 award to top-up their PhD scholarships and support their research training.
IMB Postgraduate Coordinator Professor Rob Capon was impressed with the high quality of applicants this year, and said the seven finalists selected for interview were of exceptional calibre.
“We have an obligation to provide our young scientists every opportunity to continue their research career in Australia, and these awards are a great way to do that,” Professor Capon said.
“With the level of talent we saw in the candidates who applied, I have no doubts that the future of scientific research at IMB and in Australia is in safe hands,”
“I’d congratulate our two winners and thank all the finalists who made the trip to IMB for interviews, and we wish them well for their bright futures,” Professor Capon said.
Emily Furlong, a high achieving UQ Bachelor of Science graduate, will use her scholarship to investigate the structure of proteins for drug development in Professor Jenny Martin’s laboratory.
During her undergraduate studies at UQ, Emily received many accolades, including consecutive Dean’s Commendations for High Achievement.
“I am honoured to receive the IMB research advancement award and it will definitely give me a head start towards achieving my career goals,” Emily said.
Claudia Stocks completed a Bachelor of Advanced Science at University of New South Wales (UNSW) before obtaining First Class Honours in medical microbiology and immunology.
She also has an impressive academic record, winning numerous prizes, including the 2013 UNSW Jackson Prize in Microbiology and Immunology for her honours project.
Claudia will use her award to investigate how the cells in our innate immune system use zinc to fight off bacterial infections under the supervision of Associate Professor Matt Sweet.
For more information about studying at IMB and any available student opportunities, click here.
Media contact: IMB Communications on (07) 3346 2134 or communications@imb.uq.edu.au
