Our Previous award winners

ATA Scientific would like to thank all those that participated in our November 2025 Encouragement Award promotion.

Ernest Rutherford, the New Zealand physicist and Nobel Prize winner, once remarked: “We have not got the money, so we have to think.”

Our latest competition asked students how they would personally respond if funding for their project were drastically reduced, to the point where their research could no longer continue as planned. Is their research work too important to abandon?

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 3 WINNERS!

Three entries were selected to receive our award– first prize at $1500 and 2 runners up at $750 each.

Congratulations to Toby Black, PhD candidate from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney, working with his supervisor A/Prof Brian Jones.

I am sincerely grateful to ATA Scientific for this award. I will use the funding to attend the International Conference on Arabidopsis Research (ICAR 2026), where the breadth of topics will provide valuable insight into work by leaders in plant biotechnology and promoter engineering.

This conference will give me the opportunity to present my findings in the final year of my PhD, gain feedback to refine my promoter testing system, and ensure that my research remains aligned with the cutting edge of promoter targeted genome editing and its application to major global challenges.

For Toby’s current project, he has developed an integrated computational and experimental framework to fine tune plant promoters by targeting small sequence changes in cis regulatory elements to achieve large shifts in gene expression. Cis regulatory elements interact with the transcriptional machinery to modulate gene expression, and their activity typically requires validation on a gene-by-gene basis; Toby has developed a system to fast track this process and more readily customise expression. His proof-of-concept work in Arabidopsis, the model species, is showing promise for increasing carbon assimilation in the root system.

Toby’s career goals are to publish the methods he has developed during his PhD and to see these findings translated to agronomically important species in the future. Additionally, he wishes to expand his technical skills and develop new ways of thinking when approaching unique problems through postdoctoral researcher.

Congratulations to Hiro Wang, a PhD candidate in the School of Engineering at RMIT University, working under the supervision of Prof. Kevin Zhang.

Hiro’s research focuses on recycling of autoclaved aerated concrete. This work has the potential to turn a difficult construction waste stream into a valuable resource, helping industry move closer to genuine closed-loop recycling and supports Australia’s transition to more sustainable infrastructure. Hiro’s career goal is to work at the interface of academia and industry to develop practical circular economy solutions for the construction sector.

The Young Scientist Encouragement Award will be used to support Hiro’s attendance at the 31st International Symposium on Advancement of Construction Management and Real Estate in Sydney in July 2026, covering conference registration and associated travel costs.

This will allow me to present my findings, receive feedback from international experts and build collaborations that can strengthen and accelerate my research, said Hiro.

Congratulations to Dr Charu Deepika, who recently completed her PhD in algal biotechnology under the supervision of Prof. Ben Hankamer at the Institute of Molecular Biosciences (IMB), University of Queensland (UQ).

Charu is currently advancing innovative work across pigment production, omega-3 biosynthesis and CO₂ sequestration technologies. Her work spans bioprocess engineering, microbiology, and biochemistry, with a strong emphasis on designing scalable cultivation and screening strategies.

Charu has established several new high-performance algal strains and is systematically evaluating them for enhanced yields and production efficiency. She has also created a suite of novel screening and cultivation methodologies that accelerate the identification of commercially promising microalgal candidates. Her ongoing efforts contribute directly to sustainable bioproduct development and climate-positive technologies.

The award will support her participation in the International Conference on Algal Biotechnology and Applications (ICABA) on 16-17 March 2026 in New York, USA, enabling her to engage with global experts, share recent outcomes from her strain-development and CO₂ utilisation research, and explore pathways for translating her work into industrial applications, biotech collaborations and EU-focused environmental innovation projects.

Looking ahead, Charu aims to continue advancing microalgae-based solutions within both research and applied settings, with long-term commitment to circular bioeconomy innovation, green bioproducts, and science communication that benefits the broader community.

We would like to thank all those that participated. The next Encouragement Award will be posted on our website soon.

For more information or to stay informed of other upcoming promotions please follow us on LinkedIn, X & Facebook, or contact us.

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ATA Scientific would like to thank all those that participated in our recent Encouragement Award promotion.

“May every young scientist remember the possibility that an irritating failure of their apparatus to give consistent results may conceal an important discovery”, (Patrick Blackett English Physicist, Nobel Prize winner 1897-1974).

Our latest competition asked students whether they had ever encountered inconsistent or unexpected results in their experiments and how did this affect their way of thinking?

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 3 WINNERS!

Three entries were selected to receive our award– first prize at $1500 and 2 runners up at $750 each.

Congratulations to Samara Bridge, PhD candidate from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney, working with her supervisor A/Prof Charles Cranfield.

Samara’s research focuses on developing a biosensor that uses lipid membranes to detect phospholipase A2 as a potential biomarker for colorectal cancer.

Samara intends to use the award to attend the Australian Society for Biophysics (ASB) Annual Conference.

This award will allow me to communicate the final part of my project at the ASB Annual Conference and refine my work as I move towards completing my thesis. I am very honoured to receive this award, and I aim to continue a career in diagnostics and biophysical research, shared Samara.

See Samaras YouTube video: Meet Our Scientists: Samara’s Journey as a UTS Pharmaceutical Sciences Alum

Congratulations to Saba Altaf, a final-year PhD candidate in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, working under the supervision of Professor John Mattick.

Saba’s research explores the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the brain, focusing on their localisation within neurons and how they interact with proteins to influence neuronal function. She combines RNA biology with neuroscience by performing in vivo lncRNA knockdown experiments in rats, followed by cognitive and behavioural analyses. Using cutting-edge techniques such as single-molecule fluorescence, super-resolution microscopy, and RNA-protein interaction mapping, her work aims to uncover novel molecular mechanisms underlying brain function and disease.

This award will support my attendance at the Australasian Neuroscience Society (ANS) Meeting in Hobart, Tasmania, later this year, where I will give an oral presentation of my PhD research, said Saba.  I am very grateful to ATA Scientific for this encouragement award. Attending the ANS meeting will allow me to share my work at the intersection of RNA biology and neuroscience, connect with leading researchers, and build networks that will support the next stage of my career.

Congratulations to Zarnab Asif, PhD Candidate at the University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences under the supervision of Dr Paul Joyce.

 Zarnab is currently working on the project “Understanding the digestibility of meat and dairy fat analogues: implications for nutraceuticals absorption”, which focuses on how the structure and composition of novel fats influence nutrient bioaccessibility and bioavailability. Her long-term career goal is to contribute to the development of healthier, sustainable fat systems for the food industry while pursuing an academic career in food and nutritional sciences.

This award will support Zarnab’s attendance at the Fats and Oils: Food, Health, Industry & Innovation conference in Melbourne (10-12 November 2025), hosted by the American Oil Chemists’ Society. Participation in this conference will allow me to present my research, engage with leading experts in the field, and gain insights that will directly inform my project and future career, said Zarnab.

We would like to thank all those that participated. The next Encouragement Award will be posted on our website soon.

For more information or to stay informed of other upcoming promotions please ‘Like us” on Facebook or contact us.

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ATA Scientific would like to thank all those that participated in our March 2025 Encouragement Award promotion.

Our latest competition asked students whether we should impose restrictions on social media organisations. Although social media has the potential to provide many personal and business benefits, it can also allow abusers to cause considerable harm including bullying and misinformation. Any self-censorship social media companies had to reduce harm, now seem to be abandoned with governments considering imposing harm limitation measures such as banning access to children under 16. We asked students to discuss how we should respond to social media giants and whether government should shut them down to send a message to others.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 3 WINNERS!

Three entries were selected to receive our award– first prize at $1500 and 2 runners up at $750 each.

Congratulations to Dr Marion Turpin, a grant-funded researcher from the Molecular Epigenetics laboratory, within the South Australian immunoGenomics Institute (SAiGENCI) and the Adelaide Centre for Epigenetics (ACE), located within The University of Adelaide.

Under the supervision of Dr Luke Isbel, Marion is focusing on the role of gene regulation throughout mammalian evolution. Although all the cells of our body share the same genome, every cell express different genes, where the big question is how the information in DNA gets selectively read out. In fact, this specificity relies on DNA binding proteins called transcription factors, which we know are able to drive distinct gene expression programs. However, the molecular interplay between the genome and transcription factors is still not fully understood. Marion is addressing this question using a critically important tumour suppressor protein, the transcription factor p53. She is taking advantage of a unique relationship of p53 and key cofactor proteins, using a range of cutting-edge molecular techniques as well as stem cell models across species.

“This award will support my attendance to the Australasian Society for Stem Cells Research (ASSCR) 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting held in the Gold Coast in November this year”, says Marion.

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity ATA Scientific has given me through this award, as it will be fantastic opportunity for me to present my post-doctoral work, link with collaborators attending the conference and engage with the Australasian stem cell research community. “

Congratulations to Casey Toft, PhD candidate at James Cook University in Townsville conducting research under the supervision of Associate Professor Patrick Schaeffer.

Casey’s project evaluated the analytical sensitivity of rapid antigen tests (RATs) in Australia and Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic and laid out the foundations for a next-generation influenza and coronavirus RAT technology that is mutation-resilient. His research interests concern DNA and RNA-binding proteins and their biotechnological applications.

“I have just submitted my doctoral thesis for external review,” Casey says. “I am currently exploring potential post-doctoral research opportunities in Europe and the awarded funds will go towards travel costs”.

Cassey plans to spend the award to cover some of the expenses to travel to Europe to explore potential post-doc positions.

Congratulations to Nicholas Bariesheff, final year PhD Candidate in the Clear Vision Research Group at the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University, working under the supervision of Dr Jereme Spiers. His research investigates the molecular mechanisms of aging in the mouse retina, as well as the protective effects of physical exercise on retinal aging. More specifically, Nicholas is exploring novel molecular targets that are dysregulated in the retina during aging that overall leads to vision loss, potentially providing an avenue for therapeutic discovery.

“I am incredibly grateful to ATA Scientific for this generous award, which will help fund my travel to the Retinal Degeneration 2025 conference in Prague. Opportunities like this are invaluable for early-career researchers like myself, as they provide the chance to connect with internationally renowned scientists and foster meaningful collaborations. At this stage of my PhD, my passion for both scientific research and academic teaching has never been stronger. I am especially excited to network with leading researchers and academics at the conference, with the goal of securing an international research position following my PhD” said Nicholas.

We would like to thank all those that participated. The next Encouragement Award will be posted on our website soon.

For more information or to stay informed of other upcoming promotions please ‘Like us” on Facebook or contact us.

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Our ‘SPIN TO WIN” Young Scientist competition returned this year at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Lorne Conference on Protein Structure and Function, held at Lorne Mantra Hotel, 8-12 February 2025.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Once again, our spinning wheel competition featured the popular $2000 Young Scientist Award. Our winner was announced following the final round on Tuesday evening – Prof Barry Slim could feel it in his bones – some body was feeling lucky tonight !!!

Congratulations to Alexandra Sundman, PhD student (King group) Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland.

Alexandra is currently studying for her PhD at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience in Prof. Glenn King’s lab. Her research focuses on developing peptides derived from spider venom to treat an epilepsy caused by mutations in a potassium ion channel called KCNH1. Ion channels are gates on the surfaces of neurons that allow the passage of electrical signals. Mutations in KCNH1 cause the channel to open too readily, which can result in seizures. Spider venoms are a rich source of molecules that modulate the activity of ion channels, providing a library of potential therapeutics to correct brain overexcitability in epilepsy.

To find potential peptide candidates, Alexandra milks venom from spiders and screens the venoms to identify those that have an inhibitory effect on KCNH1. She then separates out the components of ‘hit’ venoms to isolate the inhibitory peptide, optimises the peptide’s activity with in vitro assays, then works with collaborators who can test these peptides on patient-derived brain organoids, which are like human “mini-brains.”

Alexandra previously worked on the mechanism by which recluse spider venom causes dermonecrotic lesions. She has now shifted to harnessing venoms to develop therapeutics.

“I enjoy understanding the molecular and structural mechanisms underpinning toxicity and disease. After my PhD, I will work as a postdoc to continue my career in biomolecular research” said Alexandra.

Alexandra plans to use her $2000 award to attend the Australian Peptide Conference held this October in Tasmania, which is an exciting opportunity to connect with renowned peptide and venom scientists, share her work, and potentially look for rare Tasmanian cave spiders.

ATA Scientific continues to motivate scientists 

ATA Scientific has established a high reputation for supporting and promoting scientific research within Australia and New Zealand. Our Encouragement Awards are competitions intended to promote the interests of young scientists early in their science career. The Awards provide an opportunity for young scientists to win financial assistance to further their education, including attending scientific conferences and meetings. The Awards were established 11 years ago and since then over 100 winners and runners-up have received financial assistance. We are enthusiastic about our awards program as we can see the practical contribution it is making.

The SPIN to WIN award is part of the ATA Scientific Encouragement award program that is promoted annually to assist scientists that attend the Annual Lorne Proteins structure and function conference.

The intent is to provide financial support to enable further collaborations with peers at scientific meetings and to launch scientific careers. The $2000 award is usually a single prize awarded at the conference at the end of the SPIN to WIN competition.

If you missed out this year, be sure to check us out next year or enter our Encouragement award competition on now!

For more information regarding our award or to enter the next competition, contact us or visit our webpage at https://www.atascientific.com.au/awards-events-training/current-award/

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ATA Scientific would like to thank all those that participated in our September 2024 Encouragement Award promotion.

With the cost of university education continuing to rise and the effect of inflation adding to these costs, it is becoming unaffordable for many who are now more likely looking for careers based on qualifications from other sectors such as TAFE. Typically a University degree was considered to offer better career prospects and higher salary.
Our latest competition asked students whether they thought this may still be true and to discuss if they would consider a different career choice given what they know now, or if their passion for research was more important?
Students were also asked to address the use of AI in their work, research, or thesis and whether the use of AI resulted in any significant innovations or discoveries? What risks or benefits did they expect for their work or research and is there a danger that inaccurate, fake or unedited data could be gradually embedded undetected into a wide range of publications?

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 3 WINNERS!
Three entries were selected to receive our award– first prize at $1500 and 2 runners up at $750 each.

Congratulations to Kevin Winardi, scientific officer from the Laboratory of Ageing and Pharmacology, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District. Under the supervision of Prof Sarah Hilmer, his work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind drug-related harms in older individuals and whether medication withdrawal offers any molecular reversibility benefits. Building upon the established preclinical murine model, Kevin employed multi-omics and systems biology approaches to study complex age-related drug-drug interactions across various different organs.
Kevin’s goal is to expand his research by integrating pharmacology, ageing biology, and systems biology to contribute to the development of precision medicine strategies that enhances the care of older people.
This fantastic award will support Kevin’s attendance at two bioinformatics conferences. In November, he will attend the Australian Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Society (ABACBS) 2024 conference in Sydney, followed by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) BioInfoSummer24 in Melbourne this December.
Attending these conferences will provide a valuable opportunity for Kevin to explore novel bioinformatics tool, connect with leading experts in the country, and develop computational biology skills useful for tackling this major geriatric challenge.

Congratulations to Ariel Jones. a second-year PhD student in chemistry at the University of Melbourne supervised by A/Prof Lars Goerigk.
Her research aims to improve methods in computational chemistry. More specifically, her project has investigated whether current state-of-the-art computational methods are able to accurately model excited-state non-covalent interactions. This investigation will guide the development of new and accurate quantum chemistry methods.
After her PhD, Ariel wishes to continue a career in chemistry as a postdoctoral researcher. Ariel is very grateful for the ATA Young Scientist Encouragement Award which will facilitate her travel to Japan in 2025 for the conference of the Asia Pacific Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry.

“Thank you again for this award. Especially post-pandemic it has been more challenging to secure funding for conference travel, so I am very grateful for this award and look forward to being able to participate in the APATCC-2025 conference”, said Ariel.

Congratulations to Temitope Esther Afolabi, PhD student at the University of Sydney, supervised by Prof Sarah Hilmer. Esther is studying at the Laboratory of Ageing and Pharmacology, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health.

Her research aims to optimise medication use in older people by codesigning an online patient decision support tool that assists older people with medication management. Committed to the provision of safe, evidence-based, cost-effective interventions and the quality use of medicines to promote optimal health outcomes for all Australians, her career aspirations are to develop and implement innovative solutions for older people that promote the quality use of medications and to build teams of forward-thinking and versatile health professional leaders, well equipped for the dynamic environment of the Australian healthcare system.

This award will go towards covering a portion of my conference registration fees for the Advanced Pharmacy Australia (former SHPA) Medicines Management 2024 Conference in Adelaide, South Australia, 15-16th November 2024. Here I will be giving an oral presentation showcasing the preliminary version of an online patient decision support for older people that my research team and I have developed in collaboration with a project stakeholder committee.

I am most grateful for the opportunity ATA scientific has given me through this award, to present my work, said Esther.

We would like to thank all those that participated. The next Encouragement Award will be posted on our website soon.
For more information or to stay informed of other upcoming promotions please ‘Like us” on Facebook or contact us.

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Congratulations to Stephanie Hedditch!

We were thrilled to announce Stephanie Hedditch as the winner of the Lock and Key Competition at this year’s East Coast Proteins Meeting (ECPM)! The ECPM is held at the Opal Cove Resort in Coffs Harbour. This conference is held jointly every two years by the Sydney and Queensland Protein Groups of the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).

Take a look at the short video as we celebrate Stephanie’s journey to the prize!

Prof Barry Slim was there to provide support with every attempt to unlock the magic box containing the winning cheque for $1000. A big thank you to all the participants who made this competition a success. We look forward to the next ECPM with more groundbreaking discoveries in the future!

About our winner….

Stephanie Hedditch is a student at the University of Wollongong, Molecular Horizons, working under the supervision of Dr Aidan Grosas.

Stephanie’s research group is dedicated to tackling the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance, focusing on the structural investigation of the primary efflux pump MtrCDE from Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. This pump plays a crucial role in the pathogens resistance by extruding diverse antimicrobial compounds before they can kill the cell posing a significant threat to public health. Our project aims to produce, purify and reconstitute the MtrCDE complex and use cryo-electron microscopy to elucidate it’s structure. Doing so will pave the way for the development of inhibitory compounds to block the pumps action thereby contributing to the fight against multi drug resistant pathogens.

This award will significantly bolster our efforts by providing essential resources and assisting with the substantial costs associated with the highly innovative technique cryo-EM.

The award will be spent on the cryo-electron microscopes as this technique incurs significant costs but is pivotal for solving the structure of MtrCDE.

For more information please contact us.

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