WAIMR Scientist Becomes Medical Research Champion

January 8th, 2008 - Media Statement

A scientist from the state's premier adult medical research institute has secured an opportunity to lead the WA chapter of the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR).

Dr Kristen Nowak from the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) in Nedlands has joined the Board of the ASMR as its WA Director following the retirement of Associate Professor Peter Eastwood after two years in the role.

The 32-year-old, whose work with WAIMR's Laboratory for Molecular Genetics sees her investigate the causes of and possible new treatments for a series of debilitating muscle diseases said she was honoured to be joining the ASMR in this capacity.

"As the peak professional society representing Australian health and medical research, it's a wonderful opportunity for me to help ensure the state's medical research community continues to thrive and deliver benefits to all West Australians," said Dr Nowak.

"Medical research is a critically important piece of the puzzle in helping ease the burden of disease across the globe and it's vital we nurture our future scientists so that Australia can continue to lead the way in making cutting-edge discoveries."

ASMR President Dr Mark Hulett welcomed Dr Nowak to the organisation.

"Dr Nowak has been involved with ASMR for some years now and we are delighted to see her take up a formal role with us," he said.

"Kristen is passionate about raising the profile of medical research in the community and inspiring young people to explore medical research as a future career."

WAIMR Director Professor Peter Klinken said he was thrilled Dr Nowak had been appointed to the position.

"Kristen is an exceptional leader and we are very excited she will be at the forefront of WA's medical research community in this role," he said.

The ASMR was established in 1961 and is an independent body committed to fostering excellence in health and medical research. All the Directors of the ASMR are aged under 45 as a way of ensuring its Board is always aware of, and responsive to, current issues within the health and medical research community.

Dr Nowak, who was awarded the Premier's Prize for Early Career Achievement in Science 2007 and in 2001 won the Western Australian Young Australian of the Year, Science and Technology Division, has been working alongside Professor Nigel Laing at WAIMR since 2004.

For more information please contact:
Natalie Papadopoulos
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Mobile: 0407 984 435
Office: (08) 9388 9280