Young researchers win Tall Poppy Awards

Tuesday, 29 July 2014

Three University of Adelaide researchers have been recognised for their outstanding achievement in science at the 2014 Tall Poppy Awards.

Each year the Tall Poppy Awards recognise individuals who combine world-class research with a passionate commitment to communicating science and who demonstrate great leadership potential.

This year Dr Cristian Birzer, Dr Hannah Brown and Dr Deidre Zander-Fox were among the winners at Government House last night.

Lecturer in the School of Mechanical Engineering, Dr Cristian Birzer conducts research in fluid mechanics, laser diagnostics and combustion.

His research involves taking the complex science of combustion and fluid mechanics, plus the creativity of engineering, to develop affordable solutions to reduce harmful emissions from solid fuels such as dung and wood. Dr Birzer's group also examines affordable solutions to treat pathogens in water.

Postdoctoral Fellow in the Robinson Research Institute, Dr Hannah Brown's research field is reproductive epigenetics.

Her research covers the origins of diabetes and related disorders in very early life.

She is investigating how the embryo responds to the high glucose which accompanies diabetes during the earliest stages of pregnancy.

A Visiting Research Fellow in the School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Dr Deirdre Zander-Fox is a Clinical Embryologist and Research Scientist with Repromed.

She focuses on improving IVF pregnancy rates through laboratory technology by optimising embryo freezing and culture media design. Her research aims to develop non-invasive embryo selection techniques to assist in picking the healthiest embryo for transfer, increasing IVF pregnancy rates and minimising any potential damage to the embryo.

In support of the awards, Minister for Science and Information Economy Gail Gago said this year's Tall Poppy winners provide a snapshot of the exciting new research and innovation taking place in South Australia.

"These young scientists are a fine example of the talent and innovation that we have here - researchers who create new ideas, new technology and new opportunities for our State," Ms Gago said.

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