La Trobe researcher awarded mentor honour

La Trobe cardiovascular and stroke researcher Professor Grant Drummond honoured at the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) Excellence in Cardiovascular Research Awards.

Professor Grant Drummond has received a prestigious Mentor Award for the integral role he has played in guiding and supporting the next generation of cardiovascular researchers. Acknowledged both for his knowledge sharing and exceptional leadership, Professor Drummond was congratulated for going above and beyond to provide new researchers with a positive research culture in which to thrive and reach their full potential.

“It is truly humbling and an honour to be considered worthy of such recognition by individuals for whom I hold such deep respect and admiration,” Professor Drummond said.

“I urge everyone to support our early career researchers and get involved in mentoring programs such as that run by the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance, not only in the knowledge that you might help someone else’s career, but also because you will get far more back than what you put in. These experiences have made me a better scientist, a better leader and hopefully, a better mentor,” Professor Drummond said.

Professor Drummond is the Head of the Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology (MAPP) at the La Trobe School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and the Environment. He is also Co-director of the La Trobe Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research (CCBDR) and a recent recipient of a NHMRC Ideas Grant to fund his ongoing research into cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease.

The Honourable Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health & Aged Care was in attendance to present the awards and congratulated the researchers in attendance.

“Australia’s reputation for world class research and medical innovation doesn’t just happen and it is in no small part due to the hard work and dedication of every one of you,” Minister Kearney said.

About the ACvA Awards

The ACvA Excellence in Cardiovascular Research Awards were set up to celebrate and highlight the leadership, collaboration and innovation taking place within the cardiovascular research sector. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including heart, stroke and vascular diseases, are the leading cause of deaths globally. In Australia, one in five deaths are from CVD. Research excellence and impact are vital in the ongoing fight against CVD.