PhD candidate in DAP recognised with Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence in PhD Research

Cait Beddows has been named a 2026 recipient of the Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence in PhD Research, recognising the outstanding quality and impact of her doctoral research.

The University of Melbourne's Chancellor’s Prize recognises research considered to be among the top one per cent of PhD completions at the University and those passed without amendment. Cait received the award in the Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences category for her thesis, 'The role of pathogenic hypothalamic extracellular matrix remodelling in the development of metabolic disease'.

Cait’s research explored an often-overlooked part of the brain: the extracellular environment surrounding neurons. Her work uncovered how remodelling of this environment can disrupt metabolism throughout the body and identified the extracellular matrix as a potential new therapeutic target for metabolic diseases.

According to Cait, treatments targeting this pathway are now progressing through the development pipeline, providing an opportunity for the discoveries arising from her PhD to contribute to new approaches to metabolic disease.

For Cait, the award is also recognition of the collective effort behind her PhD.

Having my thesis recognised in this way means a great deal to me. A PhD represents years of work and investment, and knowing the calibre of research produced by the graduates across the university makes me feel incredibly fortunate to receive this award.

“I also see this award as a reflection of the incredible support, mentorship and collaboration I received throughout my PhD, and as motivation to continue pursuing research that can make a meaningful difference," Cait said.