An internationally recognised researcher at The Kids Research Institute Australia has been made a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, an honour reserved for the very best scientists in the country.
Professor Jenefer Blackwell is one of 21 new Fellows who have been elected by their peers for their outstanding contributions to science and scientific research.
Professor Blackwell was chosen for her 35 years' worth of research into neglected tropical diseases, in particular her work on visceral leishmaniasis.
Visceral leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites which infects about 2 million people and kills tens of thousands every year.
Through genome-wide analysis, Jenefer discovered that genetic risk for visceral leishmaniasis lies at the heart of eliciting T cell immunity.
Her discovery has led to the development of innovative new vaccines designed to prevent at-risk individuals from contracting the disease. The vaccines are currently in trial using models of human disease.
Professor Blackwell said it was an honour and a privilege to be made a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
"The bulk of my research career has been spent overseas, so for me it is really lovely to be recognised within my home country for my contribution to science," Professor Blackwell said.
Director of The Kids Research Institute Australia, Professor Jonathan Carapetis said the Fellowship was a highly prestigious honour given only to the country's most distinguished scientists.
"Professor Blackwell has dedicated more than three decades to researching tropical diseases, often neglected by the scientific community, but which are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year," Professor Carapetis said.
"She has made a significant and lasting contribution to her field. Thanks to her research, new vaccines are being created, giving hope that children around the world will have a better chance at life."
Two other West Australian scientists have also been made Fellows of the Australian Academy of Scientists. They are Professor Julian Gale from Curtin University and Professor Ian Small from the University of Western Australia.
The 21 new Fellows will be admitted to the Academy in a formal ceremony today in Canberra. You can view a statement from the Australian Academy of Science here.
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