2022 Fabienne Mackay Award

The $100,000 annual grant aims to increase gender diversity in biomedical research. Applications now open and close 31 August.

The School of Biomedical Sciences award, now in its second year, recognises career interruptions relating to the primary care of infants disproportionally affect women and will help one or more high performing, independent researchers to maintain research momentum following the birth or adoption of a child.

Head of School Professor Jennifer Wilkinson-Berka announced the award last year ahead of International Women’s Day and paid tribute to the first female and inaugural Head, Professor Mackay (2015-2020).

Dr Laura Edgington-Mitchell, Research Group Leader in the Bio21 Institute, Dept of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, was our first recipient of the Fabienne Mackay Award. For Laura the award was an opportunity to expand the chemical biology aspects of her research program and hopes this will lead to high-impact publications and additional funding opportunities to support her laboratory’s research projects.

The Fabienne Mackay Award is open to academic staff who:

  • Hold a substantive continuing or fixed-term position of not less than 0.6 FTE in the School of Biomedical Sciences.
  • Are eligible to claim primary carer parental leave entitlements at the University of Melbourne, and are or will be the primary carer in the first year after birth/adoption.
  • Are independent researchers that meet or exceed the Schools research performance metrics - generally, this would include all Teaching & Research academics and Research-only staff at level C-E, but may also include some fellowship funded level A or B staff as recommended by their Head of Department.

Apply now

About Professor Fabienne Mackay

An internationally recognised biomedical scientist, Prof Mackay’s discoveries have led to clinical trials and new treatments, including for the autoimmune disease lupus.

In her role as Head of School (2015-2020), Prof Mackay was an outstanding example and advocate for women in science – and diversity and inclusion more generally. She experienced first-hand the challenges of raising a child while maintaining research momentum and has generously leant her name to this award.

Prof Mackay hopes the award makes a difference for women in biomedical sciences

“It is incumbent on existing research leaders to actively identify their future women research leaders and provide opportunities for ongoing engagement and research outputs during period of personal leave.”

Find out more

Fabienne Mackay Award