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National awards recognize outstanding contributors to health research

Six outstanding contributors to the health and medical research industry are being recognised by Research Australia in its annual "Thank You" Day awards tomorrow (Friday 20 November 2009).

"The awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations that have helped further research in Australia through corporate giving, philanthropy, advocacy or their own research contributions," said Rebecca James, Chief Executive Officer, Research Australia.

This year's winners are:

• Macquarie Group Foundation Great Australian Philanthropy Award: Clive Berghofer AM
  Clive Berghofer's personal contributions, including one of $7 million, have helped make Queensland a leader in medical research.

• Victorian Government Leadership and Innovation Award: Professor Joseph Sambrook
  An internationally renowned cancer researcher, Professor Sambrook has led world ranking research into breast and other cancers.

• Griffith University Discovery Award: Dr Sarah Whittle
  Dr Sarah Whittle's discovery on how the structure of teenagers brains relates to their personality and behaviour has significant implications for understanding a range of psychiatric disorders in adolescence.

• Advocacy Award: Professor Ian Hickie AM
  Ian Hickie has been instrumental in ensuring Australians understand the importance of addressing depression and nurturing our brains.

• Leadership in Corporate Giving Award: Macquarie Group Foundation
  The Macquarie Group Foundation has supported health and medical research for more than 36 years, currently through partnerships with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia and MS Research Australia.

• Research Australia Lifetime Achievement Award: Elaine Henry OAM
  Ms Henry has an extensive record of community contribution and oversaw the establishment of many programs and fundraising events during her 12 years as Executive Director of the NSW Cancer Council.

The "Thank You" Day campaign runs throughout November and culminates in the annual Research Australia Thank You Day Awards held in Melbourne at BMW Edge, Federation Square at 6.30pm tomorrow (Fri 20 Nov).

Ms James said the "Thank You" Day campaign is important as it recognises the unsung heroes of the health and medical research sector.

"Thank You Day is about acknowledging the hard work of researchers, business leaders, advocates, and philanthropists who make our health and quality of life their top priority," said Ms James.

MEDIA: Note to editors - Broadcast quality audio grabs are available at www.mediagame.com.au For information about individual award winners or interviews contact Melina Schamroth 0409 833 848 or melina@madwoman.com.au

Research Australia is the peak not-for-profit body for health and medical research. It is a national alliance of more than 180 member and supporting organisations working together to promote health and medical research in Australia. For more information please visit www.researchaustralia.org

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