Research Award Recipients 2023

Each year during The Hopkins Centre's Bold Ideas Better Solutions Symposium, we take time to acknowledge the ourstanding work of our researchers, clinicians, collaborators and citizen researchers, with the annual Research Awards ceremony. 

Congratulations to this year's award winners!

Distinguished Contribution Award

Kevin Cocks AM was recognised for his ongoing contributions to the field of disability, including his advocacy work championing human rights for people with disability through legislative and policy reform, at this year's Research Awards ceremony, with the Distinguished Contribution Award. Kevin has pursued a lifelong fight for the rights of people with a disability, through evidence-based reform and has always been an inspiring advocate and role model - from his appointment as Queensland’s Anti-Discrimination Commissioner to Patron of The Hopkins Centre and many advocacy and research endeavours in between. Congratulations Kevin! 

Research Translation Award

The Hopkins Centre annual Translational Research Award was awarded to Dr Kandice Varcin at this year's BIBS23. This award acknowledges the value of collaborationand productive interdisciplinary research links between practice, academia andindustry, and theimportance of research having translational potential. It also recognises research and evaluation projects that demonstrate translational impact or have potential to translate intobetter practices, health service delivery, and ultimately, contribute to improving the wellbeing ofpeople with complex health needs or lifelong disabling conditions.

Early Career Researcher Award

Dr Jessie Mitchell received this year's Early Career Researcher Award. This Award is for outstanding achievements for an early career researcher (ECR) post PhD, in contributions to advancing The Hopkins Centre research programs and reputation as a leading disability and rehabilitation research centre. Congratulations Jessie! 

Emerging Researcher Award

The Emerging Researcher Award recognises evidence of excellence in research productivityrelativeto opportunity, at an early stage of the individual’s research career, irrespective of post-graduatequalifications. Kelsey Chapman was awarded the Emerging Researcher award, this year. Kelsey has demonstrated the ability to inspire, excite, and engage others inresearch, including colleagues, clients, and consumers.

Research Champion Award

Dr Delena Amsters received this year's Research Champion Award at the awards ceremony. This Award recognises a Delena for exhibiting the values and objectives of The Hopkins Centre in her work and engagement with others. 

Citizen Research Award

The Citizen Research Award acknowledges the hard work, researchand advocacy of the citizen researchers in The Hopkins Centre research, to ensure research is meaningful, co-designed,relevant and informed. Matthew McShane was awarded the Citizen Researcher Award at this year's event.

Sustained Contribution Award

Congratulations to the two researchers received this year's Sustained Contribution Awards - Dr Eloise Hummell and Dr Vanette McLennan - for their ongoing work and dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of people with disability, including those with lived experince of rehabilitation.