NDARC researchers win NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Awards

October 2017

Two NDARC researchers have won prestigious NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Awards, recognising their commitment to science and their drive to communicate.

All winners will spend a year sharing their knowledge with school students, teachers and the broader community through workshops, seminars and public lectures.

The Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) honoured the up-and-coming scientists at a ceremony at the Museum of Applied Arts and Science on 17 August 2017.

NDARC’s Dr Emma Barrett researches mental health and substance use treatment. Dr Barrett’s research has shown that young people exposed to life-threatening traumas in adolescence are four times more likely to develop debilitating mental health disorders and alcohol or other drug use disorders.

“By working directly with young people in schools we can intervene early in the trajectory and reduce the life-long harms associated with trauma and substance use,” Dr Barrett said.

“My research aims to support young people to understand their thoughts and feelings, build on their strengths and empower them to make positive choices so they can live life to the fullest.”  

NDARC’s Dr Louise Mewton has partnered with Lumosity to create a “smart games” program designed to prevent harmful alcohol use. The games are designed to strengthen areas of the brain that have been associated with harmful alcohol use, and the research will test whether they can prevent risky drinking.

“The Tall Poppy award will allow me to communicate my research to young Australians and promote the dissemination of the alcohol prevention programs that I’m involved in,” Dr Mewton said.

“It’s important that we get uptake of these programs in the wider community if we’re to have an impact on alcohol-related harms amongst young Australians.”

Congratulations to Dr Barratt and Dr Mewton.

For the full article, including all UNSW winners, please visit the UNSW website.