One of Australia’s leading infectious disease experts, Associate Professor Asha Bowen, has been announced as a finalist for the country’s leading national science awards – the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
Described by Professor Fiona Stanley AC, founding Director of the Telethon Kid Institute, as an exceptionally bright, world-class clinician-scientist, the passionate researcher and highly respected mentor has been named as one of the top three finalists for the 3M Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science award.
As Head of Skin Health at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Associate Professor Bowen is known for using her outstanding leadership qualities and patient care expertise to design and drive new research aimed at reducing the heavy burden of skin infections for Aboriginal children living in remote areas.
Associate Professor Bowen’s passion for ending skin disease first began while working as a paediatric infectious disease specialist in the Northern Territory.
“As a young clinician I was startled to discover that Aboriginal children living in remote communities had the highest reported burden of skin infections in the world, with one in every two children experiencing skin sores (impetigo) at any given time,” Associate Professor Bowen said.
“These painful and itchy skin infections lead to serious, life-threatening illnesses such as rheumatic heart disease – an entirely preventable yet devastating condition that is responsible for shortening life expectancy to just 41 years in some of Australia’s most remote regions.
“I am privileged to work in partnership with Aboriginal co-investigators to tackle this problem head on, especially on projects such as the SToP Trial, which is designed to see, treat and prevent skin infections and promote community-driven local health activities.
“While I am truly honoured to be recognised with this Eureka Prize nomination, my research would not be possible without the support of the Skin Health team at The Kids Research Institute Australia and the Aboriginal organisations, health workers and communities who have played a vital role every step of the way.”
From clinical trials in Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region to investigating new vaccines and treatments in the laboratory, and all the way to the bedside when treating her patients at Perth Children’s Hospital, Associate Professor Bowen has always been quick to rise to a challenge.
Heavily called upon for her infectious diseases expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has devised numerous research programs to learn more about the virus, especially around kids in schools, and has been a trusted source of advice for media and worried families.
Associate Professor Bowen is passionate about communicating her research vision and commitment to science to her peers and the wider community, chairing numerous infectious disease societies, organising international training courses and speaking to students interested in pursuing a career in science.
Professor Jonathan Carapetis, Director of The Kids Research Institute Australia, said that in addition to being highly committed to her research, Associate Professor Bowen’s leadership qualities shone brightest when promoting the entry and advancement of women in science.
“Associate Professor Bowen is recognised across the Institute as a strategic thinker, outstanding scientist, and most of all for her generosity – always happy to give up her own time to champion for STEM programs in schools and mentoring those interested in following in her footsteps,” Professor Carapetis said.
The Institute’s Deputy Director, Aboriginal Health, Mr Glenn Pearson, said Associate Professor Bowen had an impressive ability to build productive partnerships and relationships in complex spaces. He applauded her 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.
“Her work has generated breakthrough knowledge and policy change around skin infection control and has led to changes in on-the-ground clinical practice, which are already making a huge difference to the lives of Aboriginal children and their communities.”
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.
The Australian Museum Eureka Prize winners will be announced in Sydney on 24 November via a live, digital event. Visit their website to learn more or to register to watch the live event.