Writing today Research Australia’s INSPIRE magazine, Cartherics CEO Alan Trounson highlights the role GSK plays in supporting medical research

December 17 2020

By Leigh Dayton

For forty years the science-led global healthcare company has sponsored its GSK Award for Research Excellence. The Award acknowledges outstanding Australian researchers and provides an $80,000 (tax free) independent research grant to the recipient’s institution to further their work.

The Award targets high calibre, mid-career clinicians and researchers undertaking health or medical research predominately in Australia.

Given his significant and wide-ranging career, it’s not surprising that Prof Alan Trounson won the prestigious prize in 1991. He was honoured for his work in animal reproduction and in human In Vitro Fertilisation and associated technologies.

According to Trounson, the Award was a high point in his professional life, and a welcome acknowledgement of the value of medical research. Hence, he was delighted to be invited to attend this year’s presentation and discuss the importance of such industry support.

Unfortunately, COVID-19, prevented a live ceremony. However, the official announcement that Prof Mark Febbraio is this year’s winner was recorded and can be watched here.

In recognition of the importance of the award to the advancement of critical medical science, Trounson notes in INSPIRE magazine (click the magazine graphic to pp 10-11) the enhanced scientific recognition and productivity it has provided to “special scientific minds”.

“We need to hope that these advances will receive the wider community and political recognition that will help us address the incredible challenges that we presently face”.