Nothing drives discovery and innovation like collaboration. And one of the best ways for young researchers to develop their cooperative skills and make valuable industry connections is to travel, meeting and forming partnerships with peers from around the world.
“Science is a global business. We can’t let Australia’s geographical distance get in the way,” says Burnet Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb AC.
“Our young researchers need to mix with their peers around the world, a proven model that is essential to advancing our work.”
Fully funded by our supporters to a total of more than $230,000, the 2024 Burnet Travel Awards are giving 22 young leaders the opportunity to pursue career-building adventures in locations across Australia, as well as Germany, Peru, Portugal and the USA.
Stephanie Routley from the Vector-Borne Diseases and Tropical Public Health Group is one of the excited recipients, having been awarded the Margaret and John Crutch Scholarship, worth $50,000 per annum for three years.
“I’m thrilled and incredibly grateful to receive this opportunity,” she said at the award ceremony, attended in person and online by many of our generous donors, including Margaret and John’s daughter, Ruth Crutch.
“I’ve been in infectious disease research for several years, but I’ve never been in a position to be able to pursue a PhD, until now.”
This year, the awards were extended to include two Professional Services Fellowships, honouring the contribution of non-research team members and providing them with funding to travel for professional development activities in Australia and overseas. The inaugural winners were IT Support Officer, Billy Inkharm, from the Daru office in Papua New Guinea, and long-standing Program Engagement Manager, Naanki Pasricha.
“I’m so proud to work with you [and] for you, and to continue supporting you every day,” said Naanki of her colleagues. She will use the funds to complete specialist courses at the National Institute of Organisation Dynamics and Swinburne University.
By making it possible for our talented young leaders to travel, supporters like you are not just building careers, but building the future of Burnet – and making a long-term investment in global public health. Thank you!
