Health entries sought for 2015 Research Week Awards

Researchers working in health and medical research, clinical audit, service, or quality improvement areas are being invited to apply for this year’s range of Research Week awards - and the inaugural Research Week Ethics Debate.

Applicants have until September 14 to apply for three separate groups of awards: a Poster Competition; HMO Research Prizes; and the 2015 Scientist’s Medical Research Prize.

A special addition to the awards this year is The Barwon - Deakin Ethics Debate 2015. Entitled “All Public Patients Must Participate in Medical Research,” the debate will be held on Friday 13 November, where the two chosen debate teams will have the chance to win up to $600 in prize money. Teams of three are invited to submit an abstract of no more than 600 words before the closing date of Friday 9 October.

Research Week showcases Barwon Health and Deakin’s research activities and includes guest lectures by prominent researchers. One of the week’s most significant events is the annual poster competition, which invites researchers to submit a poster detailing current or recently completed research projects.

Eligible posters are judged by a panel of senior researchers and community representatives, and awarded judges’ prizes and an audience choice award.

Poster Awards will be presented across seven categories: Early Career; Basic Science; Service Delivery/Health Systems; Health Outcomes/Clinical Practice; Population Health; Clinical Research; and an Audience Choice award. Each winner will receive a prize of $500.

Health and Medical Officer (HMO) Research Prizes will be available to the junior medical workforce at Barwon Health, including interns, HMOs and registrars. Deakin medical students from Geelong Clinical School (Years 3 and 4) undertaking research with medical staff at Barwon Health are also eligible to enter. Shortlisted applicants will be required to submit a seven-minute research presentation, with three awards being presented.

The 2015 Scientist’s Medical Research Prize aims to encourage new and scientific researchers, undertaking research in conjunction with Barwon Health. This prize is open to those who are up to five years post doctorate or equivalent, and research students are encouraged to enter. Researchers must be involved in activities undertaken at, or in conjunction with Barwon Health and/or Deakin University. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to prepare a seven-minute presentation of their research.