Beryl Nashar Young Researcher Award

The Beryl Nashar Young Researcher Award recognises the emerging research accomplishments of early- and mid-career alumni researchers.

Past recipients achievements include impactful research across health, medicine, sport science and the environment.

Nominees must comply with the following selection criteria:

  • Hold a minimum undergraduate Bachelor degree from the University of Newcastle
  • Be aged 35 years or younger at the time of nomination
  • Demonstrate outstanding achievement and/or contribution to any field of research.

About Professor Beryl Nashar AO OBE

Beryl Nashar, Australian pioneer for women in STEMMProfessor Beryl Nashar AO, OBE was a pioneer of women in STEMM. Born in Maryville in 1923, the eldest of four children, Beryl was an outstanding school student. She completed her Leaving Certificate at Newcastle Girls High School, topping the state in biology, and went on to become the first in her family to go to university. She completed an honours science degree at the University of Sydney, winning the university medal and receiving a research scholarship.

After one day in a teaching role at Hunter Girls High School, Beryl was offered a position at the University of Tasmania - which she accepted.

“Beryl went on to achieve more firsts in Australia: she was the first woman to be awarded a Rotary Foundation Fellowship, first woman to earn a PhD in geology from an Australian university and then, became the first female Dean at an Australian university – here at the University of Newcastle.”

Beryl published four books and 30 research papers. She was on the board of directors for the Royal Newcastle Hospital for 16 years, as well as the Faculty of Medicine and the Greater Newcastle Building Society. She was actively involved with the Federation of Business and Professional Women, holding the role of international president in 1974.

2024 Alumni Excellence Awards

Nominations now open

Nominate today

2023 Recipient

Dr Alice Grady

Doctor of Philosophy (Behavioural Science)  2016
Bachelor of Psychology 2009

National Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Alice Grady

Innovations in Public Health: Dr. Alice Grady's Journey in Childhood Obesity Prevention

Graduating from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Psychology in 2009 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Behavioural Sciences in 2016, Dr Alice Grady is using implementation science and new technology to translate public health research into real-world benefits for the community.

Improving public health requires robust research—but that’s just the beginning. Alice is using new technologies, such as web-based programs and apps, to put evidence into practice in a way that is effective, scalable and sustainable. By turning research into action, Alice is helping to prevent chronic diseases and create healthier communities.

“We’ve been able to achieve such impact by combining implementation science with technology, which allows us to disseminate our programs faster and with more reach.”

In 2019, Alice was awarded the prestigious Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, marking a pivotal moment in her career. In just five years post-PhD, her productivity is remarkable, with 76 peer-reviewed publications to her name, demonstrating her proficiency in producing impactful research.

"Australia's facing a crisis, around 25 percent of young children are living with overweight or obesity. That impacts a young child’s immediate and long term health outcomes which puts enormous pressure on our health care system."

Alice’s research is centred on childhood obesity prevention, harnessing a unique blend of technology and behavioural science. Her innovative approach has led to the development, testing, and dissemination of groundbreaking methods to advance public health.

A hallmark of Alice's work lies in her co-design methodology, actively involving end-users and partners to address pressing community needs. This inclusive approach ensures her research directly translates into practical, tangible benefits.

"As an Implementation Scientist, I am responsible for identifying evidence practice gaps; looking at where usual practice misaligns with what evidence is telling us."

2023 Alumni Excellence Award Recipient | Dr Alice Grady 2:00

Alice’s research has played a vital role in informing early childhood obesity prevention policies in NSW. The 'Munch & Move' program promotes physical activity, healthy eating and has reduced small screen time for children up to five, reaching over 70,000 children across 3,500 childcare services state-wide.

Her contribution to the web-based program – feedAustralia - gained national attention, garnering $1.2 million in funding support from the Commonwealth Department of Health, to be expanded nationwide. This innovative program, a first of its kind internationally, supports early childhood education and care services to provide healthier food to over 100,000 children across Australia and received recognition at the 2018 Australian Council of Health Standards Quality Awards.

Alice's research has been presented 53 times at national and international conferences, including World Public Health Nutrition Congress, International Society for Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Global Evidence and Implementation Summit. She has also undertaken a range of activities informing policies and recommendations.

“As an early career researcher, I’ve been really fortunate that my research has had an impact at a National and International level – even as far as to inform training packages and policies by the World Health Organisation.”

Alice’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and inclusivity in public health research. Her commitment to addressing critical community needs by providing practical and accessible programs and initiatives has left an indelible mark on childhood obesity prevention. Dr Alice Grady's story serves as an inspiration to emerging researchers and a testament to the profound impact they can have in the field of public health.

"My hope for my work is that it can continue to support young children to lead healthy lives but also that the methodology and approaches I use can be adapted to address other health behaviours."