South Western Sydney Research Excellence Awards

Community and Partnership Research Award

This award recognises research developed or delivered through genuine partnerships with consumers, communities, clinicians, health services, universities, industry, government and other stakeholders. It celebrates collaborative approaches that ensure research is relevant, inclusive and capable of delivering meaningful community impact.

About the winner

Afioga Salā Ronda Thompson

Afioga Salā Ronda Thompson is a respected community leader and advocate for culturally responsive health research. As Lead Community Activator for the Pasifika Preventing Diabetes Programme, she has built trusted partnerships between researchers, health services, churches and Pasifika communities. Her leadership has helped create a nationally recognised model of community-led research, ensuring that culture, lived experience and community voices shape every stage of the research process.

Research Support and Enabling Excellence Award

This award recognises individuals or teams whose work across research support, governance, operations, grants, data, ethics, trials or infrastructure enables high-quality research and researcher success. It honours the people working behind the scenes who make research excellence possible.

About the winner

Ellie Pavlov

Ellie Pavlov has made an outstanding contribution to creating opportunities for research to thrive. Through major fundraising, engagement and partnership initiatives, she has helped secure vital support for researchers and strengthened links between research and the community. Known for her resilience, optimism and commitment to advancing medical research, Ellie has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of excellence across South Western Sydney.

Early Career Researcher of the Year

This award recognises an emerging researcher demonstrating excellence, leadership and exceptional potential in applied health research. It celebrates researchers who are already making significant contributions early in their careers.

About the winner

Associate Professor Mei-Ling Yap

Associate Professor Mei-Ling Yap is a radiation oncology clinician-scientist dedicated to improving equity in cancer care. Through her leadership of the Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation, she is influencing cancer policy and practice across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. With an impressive research record and growing international reputation, Mei-Ling is recognised as a leading voice in cancer equity and outcomes research.

Mid-Career Researcher of the Year

This award recognises a mid-career researcher demonstrating outstanding productivity, leadership, collaboration and growing impact in applied health research. It celebrates those who are shaping the future of healthcare through innovation and evidence-based practice.

About the winner

Dr Kate Short

Dr Kate Short is a speech pathologist and researcher dedicated to improving communication outcomes for children. Her work focuses on prevention, early intervention and improving access to care across health, education and community settings. Through research translation and leadership of initiatives such as Connect and Communicate, she is helping improve developmental outcomes for children across South Western Sydney and beyond.

Higher Degree Research Student of the Year

This award recognises an outstanding higher degree research student who has demonstrated excellence, initiative, perseverance and contribution to the research community. It acknowledges the next generation of research leaders.

About the winner

Dr Joseph Assad

Dr Joseph Assad has delivered an innovative doctoral research program focused on improving the management of heart failure. Through the NOTIFY-HF trial, he developed a patient-facing early warning system that empowers people to recognise and respond to worsening symptoms sooner. His research has gained international recognition and has the potential to improve outcomes for patients living with heart failure.

Research Team Award

This award recognises an outstanding multidisciplinary research team demonstrating excellence in collaboration, innovation and research achievement. It celebrates the power of teamwork in creating meaningful health and community impact.

About the winner

Sydney Brain Centre

Led by Scientia Professor Mark Parsons and Professor Dennis Cordato, the Sydney Brain Centre is delivering world-leading stroke and neurological research from Liverpool Hospital. Combining clinical expertise, advanced imaging, innovative technologies and major clinical trials, the team is helping bring cutting-edge treatments directly to patients and improving outcomes across the region.

Equity in Health Research Award

This award recognises research that addresses health inequities, improves access to care and supports underserved communities. It celebrates research that helps create a fairer and more inclusive healthcare system.

About the winner

Associate Professor Bernadette Brady

Associate Professor Bernadette Brady is a clinician-researcher committed to improving healthcare access for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Her work focuses on culturally responsive care, consumer partnership and chronic pain management. Through initiatives such as the Natural Helper Program, she has developed innovative models that connect patients with trusted community mentors and improve healthcare experiences.

Research Impact and Translation Award

This award recognises research that has moved beyond discovery to deliver measurable improvements in clinical practice, patient care or health service delivery. It honours research that creates tangible real-world impact.

About the winner

Associate Professor Evan Alexandrou

Associate Professor Evan Alexandrou is a clinician-researcher whose work has transformed vascular access practice. His research into ECG-guided vascular access has improved placement accuracy, reduced procedure times and enhanced patient safety. Importantly, his findings have been translated into real-world clinical practice, demonstrating the power of evidence-driven healthcare improvement.

Excellence in Clinical and Applied Health Research Award

This award recognises research embedded within clinical practice that generates evidence and translates it into better patient care. It celebrates research that delivers practical improvements for patients and health services.

About the winner

Saskia Schwarzer

Saskia Schwarzer is a clinician-researcher working within Liverpool Hospital's High Risk Foot Service. Her research addresses the significant burden of diabetes-related foot disease and aims to improve treatment, infection management and limb preservation outcomes. By embedding research directly into clinical practice, Saskia is helping improve care for patients at risk of serious complications.

Distinguished Researcher of the Year

This award recognises an outstanding senior researcher with a sustained record of excellence in research, leadership, mentorship and impact on health outcomes. It honours individuals whose careers have created lasting change in healthcare and medical research.

About the winner

Professor Geoff Delaney

Professor Geoff Delaney has made an extraordinary contribution to cancer research, clinical care and research leadership over several decades. A highly respected radiation oncologist, he has helped shape cancer services, policy and research both nationally and internationally. His leadership has strengthened research capability, advanced major research programs and created a lasting legacy for patients, clinicians and researchers.