QIMR Berghofer melanoma researcher recognised as a Tall Poppy

Dr Ken Dutton-Regester has been named a winner at the 2017 Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Awards.

The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards recognise early-career researchers who have achieved significant scientific milestones and demonstrated a willingness to engage the Queensland community in science.

Dr Dutton-Regester is a researcher in QIMR Berghofer’s Oncogenomics laboratory.

His work in identifying the genetic causes of melanoma has helped to determine why skin cancer can become drug-resistant and lays the foundation for finding new ways to improve patient survival.

“I am delighted to receive this award and would like to thank my mentors, colleagues and collaborators for their inspiration and counsel,” he said.

“Working in science is incredibly rewarding, but it gives me a real thrill to be able to share my passion and knowledge with the wider community, especially with school students and young people.”

QIMR Berghofer’s Acting Director and CEO, Professor David Whiteman, said the award was fantastic recognition of young scientists like Dr Dutton-Regester.

“Young researchers from QIMR Berghofer are consistently represented in the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards and it is fantastic to see their efforts recognised in this way,” he said.

“It’s also a great reminder of the importance of ensuring that the exciting research performed here at QIMR Berghofer is made available and applicable to everyone in the community.”

Science Minister Leeanne Enoch congratulated all the young Queensland scientists who received awards.

“Our talented young scientists are working on innovations that will help to increase our competitiveness in world markets, address environmental issues, and improve the health and well-being of Queenslanders,” she said.

The winners represent the brightest researchers investigating the important issues that benefit all Australians, including improved health treatments and finding solutions to social and environmental problems. The awards are run annually by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science Executive.

The 2017 Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Awards were presented at a ceremony on Friday August 11.