Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Interdisciplinary public health scientist Dr Aparna Lal has been recognised for her work exploring how we analyse resilience to environmental crises.
Dr Aparna Lal has been named the 2023 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year.
Dr Lal is an Associate Professor at the Australian National University and is responsible for pioneering research into environmental resilience.
Her innovative research looks at how ecological change affects population health unequally, and how strengthening environmental surveillance can enhance community health.
Dr Lal is an international expert on how human wellbeing can improve the outcomes of environmental repair and how changes in the environment can act as an early warning system for population health. Her work has had a profound impact across disciplines – including making a lasting contribution to public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Lal led the ACT’s sewage surveillance program for COVID-19, which was one of the first to be set up in Australia and became the longest running daily wastewater testing program.
Dr Lal’s research, teaching achievements and the impacts these will have on future research and policy make her a worthy recipient of the 2023 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year award.
“My interest and love for science began with reading. I believe that reading sparks curiosity and imagination, the foundation of all science,” Dr Lal said.
“I hope that being named the 2023 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year will inspire other women and young people to consider working in a scientific field.
“I am honoured to receive this award. After celebrating by going out for ice cream, I plan to continue my work in this exciting field,
“I’d like to thank my children, colleagues and peers who have helped me throughout my journey.”
Research and innovation play an important role in shaping how we move into the future.
Canberra has been the home of many significant scientific achievements and acknowledging the work scientists do for the benefit of the community and the scientific field is important.
To learn more about the ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year award including a list of previous award winners visit: cmtedd.act.gov.au/communication/scientistofyear
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