Media Release

Monday, 8 November 2004

A University of Adelaide student has won a national award for his research, which could lead to a new era of pain control.

Mark Hutchinson, who is studying for his PhD in the university's Department of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology, has discovered a strong link between the immune system and how we feel pain.

The discovery could lead to major advancements in the prevention and control of pain, including a simple blood test to predict pain tolerance. His work was published this year in the international journal Pain.

Mark's research, and his ability to communicate it, has won him a study tour to the UK as part of Australia's Fresh Science competition.

Fresh Science is a national event held during Science Week, giving 16 early career scientists from around Australia the chance to present their work to the public.

Mark, 26, from Pasadena, has now been announced as the overall winner. The British Council Australia will organise his study tour, during which Mark will present his work at the Royal Institution in London.

"British Council Australia is delighted to be supporting young Australians in the field of scientific research and our Fresh Science award will give Mark an opportunity to broaden his horizons by interacting with his UK colleagues," says Simon Gammell, British Council Australia Director.

Mark says he looks forward to presenting his research in the UK.

"The Fresh Science experience has helped me to develop skills in communicating my science to a wide range of people, including the public and the media. I'm very grateful to Fresh Science for the opportunity," he says.

The Fresh Science program is supported by the Federal government through the Departments of Industry, Science & Tourism and Education, Science & Training, as well as the Victorian State government.

www.freshscience.org