Prestigious medical research award for Mental Health researcher

Australian National University (ANU) researcher Dr Michelle Banfield has been awarded the 2019 John James Foundation Tony Ayers Prize for Excellence in Research in Translational Medicine.

The annual award recognises a scientist who has made a significant contribution to translational research, moving from ‘bench to bedside’ to transform science breakthroughs into clinical application.

The prize includes $5000 and an invitation to present a public lecture about the research that has led to the award, at the award ceremony.

Dr Banfield will present, ‘Better Together at Finding the Path: A story of collaborative mental health research,’ on Monday 29 July 2019, from 5.30-6.30pm at The Finkel Lecture Theatre, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, 131 Garran Road, Acton. register here

‘I will tell my story of conducting mental health research in partnership with non-researchers,’ she said.

‘It’s a story of surprising successes, tangled research designs, and what happens when things don’t quite go to plan.’

Dr Banfield, who is Head of Lived Experience Research at the ANU Centre for Mental Health Research, leads a program that takes a health systems approach to evidence for effective mental health services.

With personal experience of mental illness, Dr Banfield’s research has a strong focus on working with consumers and service providers to develop and implement effective mental health services and policy reform.

The award is named in honour of long-time John James Hospital and Foundation Board Member Mr Tony Ayers AC.

For media assistance, contact Marita Linkson, ANU Centre for Mental Health Research, +61 438 577 417 marita.linkson@anu.edu.au