Dr Siok Tey, winner of the Chief Executive Award

A brilliant night at the 2021 Metro North Research Excellence Awards saw another successful year for our researchers, with wins in three out of the possible nine categories.

Dr Siok Tey, winner of the Chief Executive Award, was honoured to be acknowledged for her research involving CAR-T cells and the positive outcomes they can produce for cancer care patients.

“I feel incredibly thankful to have a wonderful team of people around me who have supported me every step of the way,” Dr Tey said.

“Our project hopes to make a difference for the Australian public by providing better health care through new and cost-effective technologies.

“This award is really for my team. Without the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment they bring, day in and day out, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Recognised for her dedication to neonatal research, Deanne August, RBWH’s Neonatal Research Coordinator, was honoured to receive the Professor Joan Webster Nursing and Midwifery Research Award.

“To be categorised similar to Prof Webster, an incredible researcher, nurse and midwife is a massive honour,” Ms August said.

“Being acknowledged by those who nominated me and all of the other researchers on the night will be a highlight in my life.

“We will continue to partner with consumers and parents to drive home improvements that are meaningful for neonate patients and their parents.”

The multi-disciplinary clinical team dedicated to providing a quality service for motor neurone disease patients at the RBWH took home the Complex Health Challenges Research award for their efforts.

Staff specialist on the project, Dr Robert Henderson said the team are constantly thinking in novel ways to try and better understand the disease.

“Our research aims to understand the causes of motor neurone disease through its genetic, cognitive, and metabolic aspects,” Mr Henderson said.

Professor Jason Roberts was highly commended for the Researcher of the Year award.

Professor Roberts is a Consultant Clinical Pharmacist at the RBWH and is known nationally and internationally for his excellence in pharmacy, antimicrobial dosing, and clinical outcomes.

Find out more information from the night and who the other award winners are.