Paediatric infectious disease expert and clinician-scientist Associate Professor Asha Bowen has been named as the Emerging Leader in Science at the country’s most prestigious science awards – the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
Driven by a passion to reduce the heavy burden of skin sores for Aboriginal children living in remote areas of Australia, Associate Professor Bowen was recognised for her outstanding leadership qualities and patient care expertise when driving new skin health research.
As Head of Skin Health at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, and infectious disease paediatrician at Perth Children’s Hospital, Associate Professor Bowen can be found conducting clinical trials in Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region, investigating new antibiotics and treatments in the laboratory or treating patients in the hospital wards.
Professor Jonathan Carapetis, Director of the Telethon Kid Institute, has mentored Associate Professor Bowen for over 10 years and witnessed her evolution into a talented, highly successful clinician and research leader.
“It is my pleasure to mentor and supervise someone who has such passion not only for science and the rigorous research methods needed to produce excellent results, but for the idea of science as something which can make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, families, and communities,” Professor Carapetis said.
Professor Fiona Stanley AC, founding Director of the Telethon Kid Institute, describes Associate Professor Bowen as a world-class researcher and one of the brightest clinician-scientists of her generation.
“Associate Professor Bowen’s dedication to ending skin disease has driven breakthrough knowledge and policy change that is transforming clinical care and having a life-changing impact for Aboriginal communities in Australia,” Professor Stanley said.
“She is also an inspiring leader and mentor, going above and beyond to raise the profile of female scientists and demonstrate the possible career trajectories for the next generation, so it is extremely fitting to see her recognised in this way.”
For Associate Professor Bowen, this award win represents not just her own efforts, but the vital contributions made by the Skin Health team at The Kids Research Institute Australia in partnership with Aboriginal co-investigators, organisations, health workers and communities involved in her research.
"While I am truly honoured to be named Australia’s Emerging Leader in Science, I accept this award on behalf of everyone who has supported me along the way, especially on projects such as the SToP Trial, designed to see, treat and prevent skin infections and promote community-driven solutions to reduce the burden of skin disease,” Associate Professor Bowen said.
“It is a privilege to work together with Aboriginal people to design and implement a research agenda that will address some of the most challenging health issues for kids, including the role skin sores play in leading to serious, life-threatening illnesses such as rheumatic heart disease.
“This award also highlights the work we still have to do as a country to address health inequities for our First Nations people who have inhabited and cared for this country for centuries,” Associate Professor Bowen said.
The Kids Research Institute Australia Deputy Director, Aboriginal Health, Mr Glenn Pearson, applauded Associate Professor Bowen’s commitment to working closely with Indigenous partners to empower, engage and build capacity – a critical part of her program of work.
“Associate Professor Bowen regularly visits remote Aboriginal communities to learn from Elders and families how best to conduct research with them and is an exemplar role model in demonstrating the importance of developing culturally appropriate research practices,” Mr Pearson said.
“On behalf of the Institute, I would like to congratulate Associate Professor Bowen on this very well- deserved win and I look forward to witnessing how her research continues to improve the lives of Aboriginal children and their communities in the years ahead.”
The 3M Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science is awarded to an individual scientist who has used their leadership skills to create impact within their discipline or more broadly. Find out more at australianmuseum.net.au/get-involved/eureka-prizes/