July 19, 2023 Print
The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) and The University of Sydney are delighted to announce that entries are now open for The 2023 John and Anne Leece Family Prize.
The prize is presented annually to a high achieving PhD candidate or early career researcher at WIMR whose work represents an innovative and original contribution to resolving an important problem related to a specific disease or health condition.
The 2023 John and Anne Leece Family Prize winner will receive $20,000 to support the completion of a specific research project and advance their research career.
John and Anne Leece are very generous, long-term WIMR and University of Sydney supporters. Through this prize, the Leece family continues to demonstrate their great belief in the importance of supporting and encouraging our future research leaders.
WIMR’s Executive Director, Professor Philip O’Connell says, “WIMR is deeply grateful to John and Anne Leece for their generosity and support over many years, and in particular, their visionary commitment to supporting early and mid-career researchers at a critical point in their careers.
“WIMR is committed to attracting and retaining the very best and brightest research talent – the people who will transform the future of healthcare. The John and Anne Leece Family Prize helps to make this possible.”
To apply for The 2023 John and Anne Leece Family Prize, applicants must have either commenced study (full time or part time) towards the completion of a PhD in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, or have a contract of employment as an early career researcher.
Applicants must have a confirmed period of continuing enrolment or employment of at least 6 months from 1 January 2024. The majority of their time must be spent undertaking research at WIMR and they must have a background in Medical Science.
Early career researcher applicants must have been awarded their PhD no more than 5 years (Full Time Equivalent) prior to 1 January 2023, and they must have an academic supervisor or research leader affiliated with WIMR.
In 2022, the winner of the inaugural John and Anne Leece Family Prize was Dr Adrian Lee.
Dr Lee is a researcher/clinician who is training to become a specialist immunologist. He is completing a PhD with the University of Sydney within the Amyloidosis and Autoimmunity Lab in WIMR’s Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research.
Applications for The 2023 John and Anne Leece Family Prize are now open.
Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 30 August 2023.
The winner of The John and Anne Leece Family Prize will be selected by an independent panel of assessors. In 2023 the selection panel comprises:
- Professor Carolyn Day, The University of Sydney Associate Dean (Research Education) Faculty of Medicine and Health;
- Professor Andrew Harman, WIMR’s Centre for Virus Research; and
- Associate Professor Joanne Reed, WIMR’s Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research.
The panel will choose the successful application based on the most promising and/or innovative project proposal submitted, together with a compelling explanation as to how the funds will enable the advancement of their career.
The prize winner will be announced in November 2023.
Terms and conditions for The John and Anne Leece Family Prize, including eligibility and selection criteria are available
here.
Applicants are required to complete an application form available
here. This together with the supporting documentation required must be submitted online no later than 5pm, Wednesday 30 August 2023.
For all queries regarding The 2023 John and Anne Leece Family Prize, and to apply, please email:
grants@wimr.org.au