Flinders rewards early career researchers

Dr Andrew Rowland

Emerging research leaders from diverse fields including maritime archaeology, criminology and materials science are among the winners of Flinders University’s 2013 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Early Career Researchers.

The 11 recipients of this year’s awards are:

Dr Andrew Rowland (School of Medicine);
Dr Ivanka Prichard (School of Health Sciences);
Dr Nicole Lovato (School of Psychology);
Dr Ruth Horry (School of Psychology);
Dr Wendy Van Duivenvoorde (School of Humanities and Creative Arts);
Dr Lauren Thurgood (School of Medicine);
Dr Bradley Simpson (School of Medicine);
Dr Daniel Tune (School of Chemical and Physical Sciences);
Dr Larissa Sandy (Flinders Law School);
Dr Margaret Shanafield (School of the Environment) and;
Dr Ryan Balzan (School of Psychology).

Each winner will receive a cash prize of $2,500 to build their respective research programs, as well as a certificate to be presented at an awards ceremony on March 7.

The initiative, launched in 2009, aims to reward and promote individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to research at the University since finishing their PhD.

Dr Rowland (pictured) – whose main research focus is to optimise anti-cancer medications through targeted drug delivery – attributes his early career success to his supervisors.

“Personally, I think the award is more a recognition of the tremendous mentorship we receive in the Department of Clinical Pharmacology,” Dr Rowland, a Lecturer in Clinical and Paramedic Pharmacology within the School of Medicine, says.

“I’ve always been very fortunate to have supervisors who are extremely supportive, and I’m sure I wouldn’t have had anywhere near as much success without their input,” he says.

Dr Rowland says he encourages early career researchers to apply for funding, awards and scholarships to enhance their research portfolio: “If you think you have a good idea, my advice is to put your applications out there.”

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