Awards and scholarships
Explore Burnet Institute's most prestigious awards and scholarships, including the Fenner Award and the Gust-McKenzie Medal.
Alastair Lucas Prize for Medical Research
The Alastair Lucas Prize for Medical Research is awarded to a researcher who wishes to establish their career or is currently establishing their career primarily at Burnet Institute (5 years or less at Burnet) and pursue diseases and health issues of major national or global importance that align with the mission and focus of the Institute. Read about the 2023 Alastair Lucas Prize for Medical Research recipient Dr Lindi Masson.
Dorabjee Award
Launched in 2023, the Dorabjee Award is named after former Burnet Institute senior staff member and harm reduction pioneer Jimmy Dorabjee.
In recognition of Jimmy's major achievements in the sector, particularly in the Asian region, Burnet Institute has committed to funding conference attendance scholarships to support two people with lived/living experience who are working in the harm reduction field to attend a conference on drug use and related harms and/or related concepts of their choice. Learn more about applying for the Dorabjee Award.
Evelyn Lavu Travel Scholarship
This scholarship honours the late Professor Evelyn Lavu who made a remarkable impact as a clinician, researcher and laboratory scientist. It provides a person from Papua New Guinea with the opportunity to travel to Australia to develop skills in tuberculosis research.
The scholarship is offered by Burnet Institute in partnership with the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Tuberculosis Control (TB-CRE). Learn more about applying for the Evelyn Lavu Travel Scholarship.
Frank Fenner Award
The Frank Fenner Award acknowledges significant contribution to Burnet’s vision and purpose in the areas of medical research and public health, and is named after the great Australian virologist, the late Professor Frank Fenner AC. Recipients deliver a lecture to staff and students. Read about the 2023 Fenner Award recipient Professor Caroline Homer.
Gust-McKenzie Medallist
Named in honour of founding directors of the Burnet and Austin Research Institutes, Professor Ian Gust AO and Emeritus Professor Ian McKenzie AM, the Gust-McKenzie Medal is presented annually to an outstanding mid-career Burnet staff member in recognition of excellence in research and/or public health. Read about 2023 Gust-McKenzie Medallist Professor Joshua Vogel.
Margaret and John Crutch PhD Scholarship
The Margaret and John Crutch Scholarship is awarded to an early career researcher at Burnet to support their career in medical research.
The award is supported by Ruth Crutch and Equity Trustees and pays tribute to Miss Glenys Ruth Crutch's parents Margaret and John Crutch, and John's enduring legacy at Equity Trustees. Read about 2024 Margaret and John Crutch PhD Scholarship recipient Stephanie Routley.
Publication awards
Publication awards are for the top peer-reviewed publications each year. Awards include:
- Nick Crofts Public Health Publication Award
- Robert Blain Publication Award.
Travel awards
Many of our fellowships and travel awards exist thanks to the generosity of our donors. Read about travel award recipients.
- Jim and Margaret Beever Fellowship. Established in perpetuity through the Will of Christopher James (Jim) Beever, in memory of his late wife Margaret, this fellowship supports public health researchers in infectious diseases and virology.
- Dora Lush Academic Excellence Award. Honours pioneering researcher Dora Lush and is generously supported by Margaret and David Harper, with Margaret championing this award in her late aunt’s honour.
- Margaret Harrison Parental Leave Grant. Established through the generous support of Margaret Harrison, this award enables emerging women researchers to balance family responsibilities with career development.
- Miller Foundation Biomedical Research. Supported by the Miller Foundation, long-term partners of Burnet since 1989, funding biomedical research and the next generation of scientists.
- Miller Foundation Public Health. Also supported by the Miller Foundation, strengthening Burnet’s commitment to public health research in Australia, PNG, Myanmar and Vanuatu.
- Geoffrey Stewardson Travel Fellowship. Supported by Geoffrey Stewardson, recognising and advancing research in the field of HIV.
- Hon Geoffrey Connard Travel Fellowship. Honours the legacy of Geoffrey Connard AM, community pharmacist and parliamentary health advocate, whose support continues to inspire Burnet researchers.
- Pauline Speedy Biomedical Research Fellowship. Established by Jenny Tatchell in memory of her late partner Pauline Speedy, both dedicated supporters of Burnet and medical research.
- Harold Mitchell Foundation Postgraduate Travel Fellowship.
- Harold Mitchell Foundation Postdoctoral Travel Fellowship.
- Crockett-Murphy Travel Award. Funded by Burnet Institute.
- Domestic Travel Award. Funded by Burnet Institute.
- Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Travel Fellowship. Funded by Burnet Institute.
- National Travel Award. Funded by Burnet Institute.
