Family has always shaped the way Dana Hlavacek (BCom Hons '85, MAcc '89) thinks about giving. Supporting medical research at The University of Western Australia is the continuation of a family legacy built on a belief in progress, a reflection of the values instilled in Dana, and a way of honouring her parents and their incredible resilience.
Her father, Vladimir Hlavacek, was born in Czechoslovakia in 1926 and escaped when the Russians invaded. Her mother, Betty Hlavacek (Green), was born in Brisbane, ventured to Burma then to southwest WA and Perth, where she found employment and eventually met her future husband.
While neither had the chance to pursue higher education, they recognised its transformative power and worked tirelessly to ensure their daughter could embrace opportunities they had never been afforded. Their determination and encouragement empowered Dana to graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and Master of Accounting at UWA, a milestone they celebrated with immense pride.
Image: Betty and Vladimir Hlavacek at Dana's graduation
Later in life, as their health declined, Vladimir and Betty developed a profound appreciation for the expertise of doctors who cared for them. Grateful for the difference medical professionals had made to their lives, and wanting to maximise opportunities for future generations, they established the Hlavacek Prize in 2003 to support outstanding medical researchers at UWA.
Betty attended the prize ceremonies, finding enormous joy in meeting the talented recipients, and longed to strengthen this support, which her daughter ultimately fulfilled.
"My parents believed deeply in supporting medical research. They saw it as investing in people who were trying to push medicine forward, one question, one experiment, one breakthrough at a time," Dana said.
Inspired by her parents, today – more than two decades on – she continues her family tradition through her own philanthropy, which includes a generous gift in her Will, strengthening the Hlavacek Prize into the Hlavacek Biomedical Honours Scholarship, and establishing the Hlavacek HDR Scholarship in Medical Research.
"I have seen how medical research can change lives and how it is exploring ideas that could change how we understand illness, treatment, and care. Continuing to support this work is my way of carrying forward what my parents started," Dana said.
The impact of this support is reflected in Maia Knoblich’s journey, the inaugural 2025 recipient of the Hlavacek Biomedical Honours Scholarship.
“Dana’s generosity has allowed me to immerse myself in my research and fully dedicate my time to pursuing my passions. This invaluable experience fostered connections within the research community, which opened many new and exciting doors for me,” Maia said.
Image by Dr Blair Johnson: Maia Knoblich in the Burn Injury Research Lab at the Fiona Wood Foundation
Maia began Honours in Biomedical Research in 2025 with the Tissue Repair Group. Her project focused on improving outcomes for cochlear implant recipients, particularly on reducing the fibrosis (scarring) that occurs after surgery. This interest shifted from the inner ear to the skin after Maia sustained a burn injury requiring skin grafting, which led to her current role as a research assistant in the Burn Injury Research Unit at the Fiona Wood Foundation.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Dana for supporting me while I chase my dreams. The scholarship opened doors that changed the course of my future, and I have her to thank for where I am today,” Maia said.
It is a powerful testament to the impact of the Hlavacek family legacy, upholding values of resilience, integrity and strong sense of duty to help others realise their potential.