Our Tall Poppies of Science

The University of Adelaide more than rose to the occasion at the recent Young Tall Poppy Science Awards.

The awards recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to science in South Australia through their academic achievements and their community engagement in promoting science.

Six of the nine recipients either studied at or are currently associated with the University of Adelaide.

"This is a fabulous achievement and endorses the outstanding work undertaken by our young scientific and biomedical researchers," said Vice-Chancellor James McWha.

• Associate Professor Derek Abbott, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Director of the Centre for Biomedical Engineering, University of Adelaide.

  Dr Abbott is a leading researcher in the area of photonics and vision systems.
  
  

• Dr Toby Coates, Renal Transplant Nephrologist, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

  A graduate of the University, Dr Coates is a kidney transplant specialist at the QEH.

• Dr Adam Fletcher, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Sleep Research, University of South Australia.

  Dr Fletcher obtained a Bachelor of Science degree (with Honours) from the University of Adelaide.

• Dr Michelle Lane, Senior Lecturer, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, QEH.

  Dr Lane is Director of the IVF Laboratory at Repromed and is establishing a research team in the area of gamete and embryo development and pregnancy.

• Dr Taher Omari, Affiliate Senior Lecturer, University of Adelaide, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Paediatric & Adolescent Gastroenterology, Women's and Children's Hospital.

  Dr Omari is a world leader in his field. He receives regular invitations to speak at national and international conferences and collaborates with other researchers throughout the world.

• Dr Darryl Russell, Georgina Dowling Medical Research Associates, Honours Coordinator, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide.

  Dr Russell's research focuses on the genes and mechanisms through which cells communicate and physically interact as they organise into tissue and organ structures.

Story by Howard Salkow