Top science award for Jewish professors
TWO Jewish neurologists have jointly received Australia’s top scientific award, the 2014 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science, for their groundbreaking research into epilepsy which has improved both diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
Professor Ingrid Scheffer and Professor Sam Berkovic, both clinicians and researchers at the University of Melbourne and Austin Health, have been successful in uncovering the significant role genetics play in epilepsy.
The pair were presented with the award by Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in Canberra last Wednesday night.
“It’s wonderful to have this recognition by my peers in Australian science and to be recognised broadly across science – not just health and medical research,” Scheffer told The AJN.
The paediatric neurologist sees the award as a means of shining a light on the illness. “I think it’s really wonderful because it brings epilepsy out of the shadows,” she noted.
“Epilepsy is an under-recognised and hidden disease. It’s still got a stigma, so we’re very excited that epilepsy is in the limelight.”
Berkovic, an internationally renowned neurologist, was similarly honoured to receive the accolade, which comes with $300,000 of prize money to be split between himself and Scheffer.
“I felt really humbled and very gratified. It was a fantastic feeling,” he told The AJN.
The pair have been working together for almost 25 years. Their discoveries, including identifying the first gene directly linked to one form of the condition, have led to targeted research, and importantly, are paving the way for better diagnosis and treatment for patients.
Scheffer said that first of all, their findings have changed the way people think about the cause of epilepsy.
Beyond that, “It’s changed practice, it’s changed the way we think about the area. It’s been incredibly exciting to see something change clinical medicine like this.”
And there’s still plenty more to be done, she said. “I feel like we’re at the tip of the iceberg in what we’re doing, and there’s a long way to go. We can still make a huge difference to people with epilepsy,” she enthused.
Congratulating the pair, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said, “I honour Sam and Ingrid and all those who are promoting science in our country. I thank them for their dedication to a better Australia and a better world.”
Federal Member for Kooyong and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Josh Frydenberg also lauded the pair. “It’s wonderful to see Sam and Ingrid acknowledged for their groundbreaking research and it’s a source of great pride that they are also members of the Jewish community,” he told The AJN.
Late last month, Berkovic was named 2015 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year, also for his pioneering work in the field of epilepsy.
“We’re making, I think, major contributions to the understanding of epilepsy,” he said.
He commented that this honour came as a complete surprise. “I’m 61, so the “senior” is a bit hard to get used to!”
PHOEBE ROTH
Professor Ingrid Scheffer and Professor Sam Berkovic.
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