The Australians behind new research to combat diseases and conditions like cancer, depression and birth defects have been recognised through the National Health and Medical Research Council Research Excellence Awards.
The awards were presented by Health Minister Sussan Ley at the NHMRC Council dinner in Canberra.
Sixteen researchers received awards for having the top-ranked grant application in their category.
Some of the research recognised in the Awards was focussed on combatting some of the world's most serious diseases and illnesses, including malaria, cancer and dementia.
Minister Ley said she was proud of Australia’s standing on the international research stage and that these awards recognised some of the leading Australian researchers.
“Australia is a world leader in health and medical research and these researchers will no doubt continue to make a strong contribution to improving the health of all Australians,” said Ms Ley.
“I congratulate the award winners and look forward to continuing to work closely with the research community to come up with the treatments of tomorrow, today.”
NHMRC CEO Professor Anne Kelso described the recipients as being among the highest-performing NHMRC-funded researchers.
“These researchers are representative of the fine research talent that exists in Australia,” said Professor Kelso.
“The award recipients range from established Australian heavy-hitters in health and medical research to promising up-and-coming researchers who are blazing a fast path through their fields.
“I am so delighted with the field of talent we have. All of these researchers have already or no doubt will make a strong contribution to improving the health of the nation.”
The list of recipients can be viewed at the NHMRC website.