Dr Chris Lowbridge is the 2025 winner of the Prize. He manages projects to improve understanding of how TB, the most threatening infectious cause of death globally, can be controlled. He and his team have improved contact tracing in high-burden settings, in remote Indigenous communities and across our region. New shorter regimens have been developed for treating latent TB. Aboriginal community health workers have been trained, as have researchers and clinicians. In Indonesia and Timor-Leste, there have been projects in TB prevalence, improvements in care, and prevention. Dr Lowbridge notes the importance of leadership and 'contributions of the communities and health services we partner with, in reducing the impact of TB'.
See Menzies School of Health Research Website at https://menzies.edu.au/page/News_and_Events/Awards_and_Prizes/Harry_Christian_Giese_Research_into_Action_Award
Dr Steven Kho is the 2024 inaugural winner of the Prize. He has discovered a large hidden malaria parasite reservoir in the human spleen, and a new life cycle for both major parasite species causing malaria. He and his team are now exploring the fundamental biology of this reservoir, leading to novel approaches to overcome splenic parasite survival to help reduce the global malaria burden.
Dr Kho says: 'This award is not just a recognition of the work, but for me is also a motivator and a reminder of the importance of pursuing challenges, asking difficult questions, and finding innovative solutions. I hope it can serve as inspiration to others to keep striving for excellence.'
See Charles Darwin University, Menzies researcher leads battle against malaria at https://www.cdu.edu.au/news/news-archive/cdu-menzies-researcher-leads-battle-against-malaria
See Menzies School of Health Research Website for Dr Steven Kho's win at https://www.menzies.edu.au/page/News_and_Events/Awards_and_Prizes/Harry_Christian_Giese_Research_into_Action_Award/Malaria_break-through_wins_inaugural_Harry_Christian_Giese_Research_Impact_Prize/