Excellence in Innovation awarded
Newcastle Innovation hosted their annual Awards ceremony on Friday 18 November at Merewether Surfhouse.
Hosted by Natasha Beyersdorf, the awards celebrate University of Newcastle (UON) researchers who demonstrate excellence in innovation research in our region and beyond.
The first award for the day was the Leonard Award for Innovation, and it was awarded to UON Alumnus Mr Jeff Phillips from The Varley Group.
The Excellence in Innovation Awards recognise UON researchers who are true experts in their field and demonstrate a major focus on transferring their expertise into practical solutions for industry and the community.
Presented by UON Chancellor Mr Paul Jeans, the awards recognise a longstanding commitment to translating their research into practical solutions via commercialisation.
The first Excellence in Innovation Award was presented to Associate Professor Susan Hua, Senior Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy. Susan is using nano-medicine to design digitally-precise transport modules for pharmaceutical substances – masterfully applying nanotechnology to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease.
The second Excellence in Innovation Award was presented to Associate Professor Thomas Fieldler, School of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) who is driving the development of new-generation cellular materials that are light, strong and multi-functional.
Dr Kenneth Williams, Senior Research Associate in the School of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) was awarded the third Excellence in Innovation Award. Kenneth’s work in the dynamics of bulk material systems and bulk solids is influenced by his work in research and industrial projects in Australian and International industry.
The inaugural Chancellor’s Award for Innovation was presented to Dr Yolanda Surjan, from the School of Health Sciences whose research investigates the translation of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to veterinary practice. Yolanda is aiming to develop a medical device that will increase cure rates for horses with skin cancers without the need for general anaesthetics and surgery.
Guests were then treated to a Question and Answer session with the award winners before having the opportunity network with industry and research leaders.
Find out more about Newcastle Innovation.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.