Dental expert wins $50,000 Victoria Prize

Dental scientist Prof Eric Reynolds has won the $50,000 Victoria Prize.

Reynolds's research into dental bacteria identified molecular processes that could repair early teeth decay without the need to resort to invasive treatments. He discovered milk-based compounds derived from casein, part of the protein found in cow's milk, which combat and repair the effect of acid on teeth and reduce the risk of dental cavities. The result was a commercial product called Recaldent which has since been incorporated into gels, pastes, chewing gum and rinses.

He was presented with his prize by the Victorian governor John Landy at a function at Government House last night.

"We've got brilliant scientists in Victoria but the challenge is to make that link between research and development and commercialisation," said Victorian innovation minister John Brumby.

"[Reynolds] is a very worthy recipient -- for his great work in dental health, but also for creating a product that is fundamentally changing lives not only in Australia but all around the world."

On receiving his award, Reynolds said it was "personally gratifying" to receive the award, but also acknowledged the work of his colleagues and the Jack and Robert Smorgon Families Foundation for providing the University of Melbourne with the $100,000 Anne & Eric Smorgon Memorial Award.

Brumby also presented awards to the winners of the Victoria Fellowships, an initiative to assist emerging leaders in science, engineering and technology, Each fellow receives an $18,000 travel grant to undertake a short-term international study mission, to receive specialist training, or to develop commercial ideas.

"It is so important that we reward our best scientists and set an example to those who follow," said Brumby.

The recipients of the 2005 Victoria Fellowships are:

• Flame Burgmann (RMIT University): nano-engineering of new materials for devices such as heart pumps and hip joints.
• Thanh Tam Chau (University of Melbourne): nano-emulsion technology with applications in food, pharmaceutical and coatings industries.
• Erika Cretney (Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute): investigating a new molecule that hones in on cancer cells to stop tumours growing and spreading.
• Whitney Macdonald (NHMRC Peter Doherty Fellow, Monash University): new ways to manage rejected of organ transplants.
• Hayley Newton (Monash University): unlocking the secrets of Legionnaire's disease.
• John Papandriopoulos (University of Melbourne): wireless sensor technology so machines can seamlessly talk to one another.

"I strongly encourage these students to continue in their pursuit of knowledge. They have demonstrated they can pursue the Victoria Prize in the future," said Reynolds.