Cancer researcher Maria Kavallaris AM named NSW Premier’s woman of the year

·

Internationally renowned scientist Professor Maria Kavallaris AM has been named the 2020 NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year – the top honour at the NSW Women of the Year awards. 

Prof. Kavallaris accepted the award from Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor at the WOTY Awards ceremony in Sydney today.

“Maria is a remarkable achiever whose ground-breaking research has led to more effective therapies for aggressive childhood cancers,” Ms Berejiklian said.

A further six outstanding women from across NSW took out the top spot in their nominated category, ranging from community heroes to lifetime achievers.

“Congratulations to all the incredible women who have deservedly been recognised; their achievements are an inspiration to women who want to make a difference.” Ms Berejiklian said.

Mrs Taylor said this year’s awards program attracted an unprecedented number of nominations and more than 7,000 votes in the publicly decided categories.

“Be it science, industry, business or community; every part of NSW has benefited from the outstanding contributions made by women,” Mrs Taylor said.

“You can’t be what you can’t see; so please join me in celebrating these women and sharing their stories of success to help improve the lives of girls and young women across our state.”

Dedicated to treating aggressive childhood cancers

Maria is an exceptional researcher, whose own journey with cancer aged 21, led her to dedicate her career to developing treatments for aggressive childhood cancers.

As founding director of the Australian Centre for NanoMedicine at UNSW, as well as head of the Tumour Biology and Targeting program at Children’s Cancer Institute, Maria has made key advances in our understanding and treatment of neuroblastoma; the most common cancer in babies and the third-most common cancer in children.

Her studies have not only identified how some tumours can grow and spread, she has also applied this knowledge to develop effective, less toxic cancer therapies using nanotechnology. Maria’s leadership in cancer nanomedicine has led to clinical and industry collaborations to translate her discoveries into practice.

Maria’s work has been recognised by many national and international awards, including the highly prestigious 2019 Lemberg Medal from the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

European champion Antigoni Drisbioti visits Melbourne’s Greek Centre

European champion Antigoni Ntrispioti visits Melbourne's Greek Centre before Australian Walk Race Championships.

Historic GOCSA vote blocks reunification with Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia members blocked reunification with Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

Tributes flow for Barry Humphries as family ponder state funeral in Victoria

Tributes are continuing today following the death of Australian entertainer Barry Humphries, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 89.