Improving care for babies at risk

Thursday, 23 October 2014

A University of Adelaide researcher has been named the 2014 Young Investigator of the Year for South Australia, for her work to improve blood and fluid transfusions for babies in neonatal intensive care.

The winner is Dr Amy Keir, Masters by research student in the University's Robinson Research Institute, and Staff Specialist - Neonatology Department of Perinatal Medicine, Women's and Children's Health Network.

Dr Keir was chosen ahead of two other University of Adelaide finalists, based on excellence in science and her ability to communicate that science to a general audience.

Now in its 15th year, the Young Investigator Award recognises and promotes outstanding research undertaken by South Australia's young scientists in the area of women's and children's health.

The prestigious prize saw each of the finalists receive a $2000 award. As the winner, Dr Keir received an extra cheque for $5000. She also received the People's Choice Award of $1000.

The University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Mike Brooks, congratulated the finalists.

"It's especially pleasing to note that all of this year's finalists are University of Adelaide researchers, and all have represented an exceptionally high quality of research," Professor Brooks said.

"Their work has the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the health and wellbeing of women and children, which is a major strength of the University's overall research effort.

"Congratulations to the Young Investigator for 2014, Dr Keir, and to the runners up, Dr Jacqueline Gould and Dr Jessica Grieger, who have shone in these awards. Not only do they have bright careers ahead of them, they also have developed the all-important ability to communicate their science and demonstrate the relevance of their work to the wider community," he said.

The Women's & Children's Hospital Foundation is the major sponsor of the Young Investigator Award. The University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute, School of Population Health and Women's and Children's Health Research Institute are also sponsors, along with the Women's and Children's Health Network, Flinders University, University of South Australia and the South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).

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