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Alumnus wins Sir John Monash Award

14 December 2005

Twenty-five-year-old alumnus Mr Justin Moore was last week presented with a Sir John Monash Award in recognition of his contribution to research on the human brain.

The talented researcher was one of eight people to win the award, described as Australia 's most prestigious postgraduate scholarship.

The awards are presented annually to outstanding graduates and include a funding incentive of up to $150,000 over three years, allowing the award winners to study abroad.

Mr Moore (pictured) will use the scholarship to complete a PhD at Oxford University in the UK and is aiming to establish his own research laboratory.

Mr Moore, who completed a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery, a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Medical Science at Monash, hopes to use the skills acquired during his PhD to set up a program that will place Australia at the forefront of neurosurgical research.

"The field of neuro-regeneration and prevention of neuro-degeneration is currently in a period of rapid development," Mr Moore said.

"I hope to contribute to the direction that neurosurgery, particularly neurosurgical research, takes in Australia through the Australasian Neurosurgical Society and by a leadership role in hospital management, which will use my legal training."

Mr Moore said he was passionate about research into brain repair for chronic disorders such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, and motor neurone diseases, acute brain injury, trauma and congenital abnormalities.

The young neurosurgeon said his life had been guided by two important principles.

"The first is a determination to get the absolute best out of myself in all endeavours by hard work, focus, planning and teamwork.

"The second principle has always been to contribute to and improve Australian society, to ensure that it continues to provide the wonderful opportunities it does," he said.