University of Western Australia
Two medical experts from The University of Western Australia are finalists in the Excellence in Cardiovascular Research Awards 2021, which celebrate and honour the exceptional achievements within Australia’s cardiovascular research community.
Adjunct Professor Karen Chapman, from UWA’s School of Human Sciences, and Professor Toby Richards, Lawrence-Brown Chair in Vascular Surgery from UWA’s Medical School, are finalists in the Mentor Award category.
The Mentor Awards recognise researchers who contribute towards a positive and collaborative cardiovascular sector.
Adjunct Professor Chapman, who was one of the founding Directors of the Western Australian Cardiovascular Research Alliance, said the future of cardiovascular research depended on our next generation of researchers.
“Diversity of thought, life experience, and background are all vital in delivering rich research,” she said.
“For many minority groups, including women and ethnic minorities, mentoring disproportionately benefits their career progression and indeed, even their retention within academic research.
“For individuals to succeed, thrive, and enhance cardiovascular research, they need to be supported and nurtured.”
Adjunct Professor Chapman believes the key to the success of early career researchers and emerging group leaders are the decisions they make and the connections and networks they establish.
“Talking through ideas and choices in a supportive and non-judgemental environment can provide the space to make better and more informed decisions,” she said.
“Opportunities can arise from connections and networks, and mentoring facilitates all this.”
Three awards will be presented encompassing all career stages of the cardiovascular research spectrum: The Game Changer Award; The Mentor Award; The Translation Award.
The winners will be announced on Friday 3 December. To attend online or in-person register at EventBrite.