The 2018 Metcalf Prizes for Stem Cell Research are now open. We're inviting mid-career stem cell scientists to apply. Two prizes, worth $50,000 each, will be awarded to one male and one female mid-career researcher.

Applications for $50,000 prizes for stem cell research now open

Two up-and-coming leaders in stem cell science will be awarded $50,000 each to boost their career to the next level. If you know a promising stem cell researcher, encourage them to apply.

The 2018 Metcalf Prizes for Stem Cell Research are open to mid-career researchers who are five to 10 years past their PhD or MD (research-based) and working in stem cell research in Australia. They could be working in medicine or agriculture, government or academia.

The winners will be chosen for their scientific excellence, proven leadership ability and the potential to have a continuing influence on stem cell research in Australia.

Past Metcalf Prize winners include:

• Melbourne haematologist Mark Dawson,

• Brisbane computational biologist Jessica Mar,

• Sydney heart clinician and researcher James Chong (pictured), who shared his insights as a cardiologist and scientist with the audience at our recent public forum,

• Melbourne immunologist Tracy Heng,

• bioinformatician Christine Wells, who has moved from Brisbane to the university of Melbourne to establish the Centre for Stem Cell Systems,

• Perth geneticist Ryan Lister,

• Tasmanian neural stem cell researcher Kaylene Young, and

• Monash University reprogramming legend Jose Polo, who presented at last month’s global stem cell science meeting in Melbourne.

The Metcalf Prizes for Stem Cell Research recognise and honour the exceptional contribution made to stem cell research by the late Professor Donald Metcalf. Over his 50-year career, Don helped transform cancer treatment and transplantation medicine, and paved the way for potential stem cell therapy in the treatment of many other conditions.
 
The Metcalf Prizes support the Foundation’s mission to promote the study and use of stem cells in the prevention or control of disease in human beings and to enhance stem cell public education.
 
Applications close Monday 6 August. We encourage last year’s unsuccessful applicants to apply again this year if they are still eligible.
 
To apply online, and for a full list of criteria and conditions, head to the Foundation’s website: www.stemcellfoundation.net.au/researchers/metcalf-prizes
 
If you have any questions about eligibility or the application process, please contact Tanya Ha at Science in Public, who are administering the awards for the Foundation: [email protected].