Victoria’s rising health and medical research stars honoured

News
Published: 24 June 2025

Congratulations to our rising health and medical research stars who shone at the Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research. This year is the award’s 30th anniversary.

Awards went to:

  • Dr Alisa Higgins, Premier’s Award for Health and Medical Research Excellence and Clinical Researcher Award
  • Dr Rachel Joyce and Dr Brooke Conley, joint winners, Aboriginal Researcher Award
  • Dr Charles Bayly-Jones, Basic Science Researcher Award
  • Dr Louisa Picco, Public Health Researcher Award
  • Dr Asha Bonney, Health Services Researcher Award.

Victoria’s early-career researchers are pushing boundaries and helping change the future. The research of this year’s finalists and award winners covers arthritis, cancer, immunity, COVID 19, epilepsy, eye health, diabetes, and medication and gambling related harms.

This year’s finalists and award winners are tackling global health challenges. They join the many stellar Victorian researchers whose work has led to breakthroughs and saved lives.

Thanks to the Australian Society for Medical Research for partnering with us for the last 30 years to deliver these important awards.

Read more about the Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research.

Dr Alisa Higgins at a podium with a microphone, holding an award plaque titled "Research Excellence and Clinical Researcher Award 2024-25". Australian and Aboriginal flags are displayed on either side.
Dr Alisa Higgins accepting the Excellence Award

Group of individuals standing with awards at the 2024-25 Premier's Awards for Health and Medical Research event.
Winners and finalists of the 2024-25 Premier's Award for Health and Medical Research