- Immunotherapist and extracellular vesicle researcher at The University of Queensland, Associate Professor Joy Wolfram, is Queensland’s 2024 Young Tall Poppy of the Year.
- Sixteen of Queensland’s outstanding scientists were recognised at this year’s awards.
- The awards celebrate scientific excellence and a passion for science communication, inspiring young people to enter STEM study and careers.
Associate Professor Joy Wolfram, an immunotherapist and extracellular vesicle researcher, who is working on improved medicines to counter cancer and other life-threatening diseases, is Queensland’s 2024 Young Tall Poppy of the Year.
Science Minister Leanne Linard said Associate Professor Wolfram received her award for her outstanding research to treat serious diseases like heart disease, kidney disease, and breast cancer.
Associate Professor Wolfram’s research uses tiny natural particles, called extracellular vesicles, to treat these diseases. She aims to find the right particles to go to desired locations in the body and modify them to act as medicines.
Held annually around Australia, the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards are hosted by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS). In Queensland, they are held in partnership with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
The awards recognise and celebrate researchers who demonstrate scientific excellence combined with a unique passion for science communication, which can inspire young people to enter STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) study and careers.
They were inaugurated in 1998 on the centenary of the birth of Howard Florey, an Australian pharmacologist and pathologist who shared a Nobel Prize in 1945 with Ernst Chain and Sir Alexander Fleming for his role in the development of penicillin.
As stated by Science Minister, Leanne Linard:
“I congratulate our Young Tall Poppy Science award winners for 2024.
“The research being undertaken by these young scientists, and all scientists researching throughout Queensland, shows why our State is one of the leading scientific locations in Australia.
“The Miles Government is proud to partner with the Australian Institute of Policy and Science to recognise our best and brightest, celebrate their success, and raise the appreciation of science across the community.
“These annual awards recognise the achievements of our talented scientists carrying out life-changing research that will ultimately benefit all of us.
“They are shaping the future of health care, our environment and our way of life in ways that we cannot even imagine.
As stated by Australian Institute of Policy and Science General Manager, Steve Burke:
“It is truly wonderful to recognise our talented and world-leading scientists through the Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Awards.
“Congratulations to our Queensland award winners who have excelled in research achievement in so many fields of science, including biomedical, behavioural sciences, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, technology and other applied or cross disciplinary sciences.
“We know these role models will inspire young Queenslanders to follow in their steps and ensure our future workforce is equipped with people with appropriate STEM skills.
“It is a great pleasure and privilege for the Australian Institute of Policy and Science to deliver these awards and we look forward to our continued engagement with young Queensland scientists.”
