Leading neuroscientist named NSW Scientist of the Year

Internationally acclaimed neuroscientist Professor Glenda Halliday FAA FAHMS from the University of Sydney has been named the 2022 NSW Scientist of the Year. Receiving a prize of $60,000, Halliday was one of 10 exceptional researchers, innovators and educators honoured at the 2022 NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering, held at Government House on Wednesday night.

The NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering seek to recognise excellence in science and engineering, and reward leading researchers for cutting-edge work that has generated economic, environmental, health, social or technological benefits for NSW. The prizes aim to raise community awareness and appreciation of the important contribution scientists and engineers make to our daily lives, and encourage careers in both fields.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said Halliday received her award for her groundbreaking work on neurodegenerative diseases, which has changed the way we diagnose and treat these conditions globally. He said, “Neurodegenerative diseases touch so many of our lives, often with devastating consequences, and that’s why the impact of Glenda’s work cannot be understated.”

Halliday’s research looks at how the human brain is affected structurally and biochemically by neurodegenerative diseases. Her current focus is on the underlying causes of the non-Alzheimer’s neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.

“It is incredibly satisfying to know our work is recognised by our peers in this way, even though we feel there is always more work to do,” Halliday said.

“I hope this award will inspire those I am working with and others to find the cures needed in this area of research.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said Halliday is not only a world-class researcher but a passionate leader and mentor who is inspiring the next generation of neuroscientists. He also congratulated the winners of the nine category prizes, who received $5000 each, and thanked them for their outstanding contributions to science, engineering and education in NSW.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens added that the winners reflect the diversity of strengths amongst NSW’s research community. He said, “We have some of the best scientists, engineers and educators in the world and the NSW Government is committed to supporting them as shown by our record investment in this year’s Budget.”

Pictured (L to R): Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer; Dr Sudarshini Ramanathan; the Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW; Professor Anna Giacomini; Dr Jiao Jiao Li; the 2022 NSW Scientist of the Year, Professor Glenda Halliday; Professor David Eldridge; Distinguished Professor Michelle Leishman; Ian Preston; Professor Geordie Williamson; Professor Justin Yerbury AM; Professor Luke Wolfenden; and the Hon Alister Henskens MP, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.

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