Published 13 October 2026

Burnet researchers recognised in 2026 Travel Awards

Eight Burnet Institute researchers have been awarded a combined $47,500 for research excellence through the 2026 Burnet Travel Awards.

Announced on 13 October, the awards provide opportunities for researchers at different career stages to share knowledge, build collaborations and further their professional development.

This year's recipients work across a diverse range of research areas, including malaria, vaccination, diagnostics, alcohol and other drugs, and public health modelling.

The fellowships support research-related travel, helping researchers connect with colleagues and contribute to scientific advances in Australia and internationally.

2026 Travel Award recipients

Dr Annemarie Laumaea – Dora Lush Academic Excellence Travel Fellowship

Annemarie is a Senior Research Officer and Team Leader in Mucosal Immunity at the Burnet Diagnostics Initiative. The fellowship supports outstanding mid-career researchers to expand their expertise and advance their careers. It can also provide childcare or accompanying partner travel support to make conference attendance more accessible.

Dr Ashleigh Stewart – Harold Mitchell Foundation Postdoctoral Travel Fellowship

Ashleigh is a public health epidemiologist and Senior Research Fellow working across disease elimination and harm and risk reduction. The fellowship recognises outstanding postdoctoral researchers and supports travel opportunities that contribute to their professional and research development.

Jessica Canning – Harold Mitchell Foundation Postgraduate Travel Fellowship

Jessica is a PhD student in Burnet's Cellular Responses to Disease and Vaccination research group. This fellowship supports outstanding senior PhD students to broaden their research experience and build professional connections.

Associate Professor Paul Gilson – John Harrison Advanced Career Travel Fellowship

Paul is a Co-Group Head in Malaria Virulence, Drug Development and Resistance and Deputy Head of Burnet's Life Sciences Discipline. The fellowship supports experienced research leaders to attend and present their work at major national or international conferences.

Senna Steen – Pauline Speedy Biomedical Research Travel Fellowship

Senna is a PhD candidate in the Malaria Virulence, Drug Discovery and Resistance research group. The fellowship provides travel support to outstanding PhD students undertaking infectious diseases research.

Dr Damien Oyong – Honourable Geoffrey Connard Travel Fellowship

Damien is a Senior Research Officer in the Cellular Responses to Disease and Vaccination research group. The fellowship supports outstanding researchers with five to ten years of professional experience to further their research careers through travel.

Alysha Literski – Miller Foundation Biomedical Research Travel Fellowship

Alysha is a PhD student in the Malaria Virulence, Drug Development and Resistance research group. This fellowship recognises outstanding biomedical research by Burnet staff members and PhD students.

Aimée Altermatt – Miller Foundation Public Health Travel Fellowship

Aimée is a Research Assistant in Burnet's Modelling and Biostatistics research group. The fellowship recognises outstanding research in public health, supporting researchers to develop their expertise and share their work.

The 2026 awards presentation also paid tribute to the late Jean Miller, remembered as a much-loved and extraordinarily generous member of the Burnet community.

As Burnet celebrates 40 years of impact, the awards highlight the importance of investing in researchers and developing the expertise and partnerships needed to address health challenges into the future.

Congratulations to all recipients.

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