The SAHMRI community congratulates Associate Professor Yvonne Clark who last night received the 2024 Sandra Eades Investigator Grant Award at the NHMRC Research Excellence Awards in Canberra.

This recognises A/Prof Clark as the highest-ranked Indigenous researcher in the Emerging Leadership category for 2024, based on her impactful research proposal.

A/Prof Clark’s project, Investing in the early years to improve social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal parents and young people, aims to address health disparities within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She says the award is recognition of more than just her contribution alone.

“This achievement reflects the ongoing commitment of communities, colleagues, and mentors who have been integral to this project,” A/Prof Clark said.

"Receiving the Sandra Eades Investigator Grant Award highlights the importance of Indigenous leadership in health research. This is such an honour for me, and I hope it will contribute to further empowering Indigenous researchers and helping to shape a healthier future for our communities."

A/Prof Clark’s research focuses on improving health and well-being during critical stages of life, including pregnancy, birth, early childhood and adolescence. By examining the social and cultural factors that affect health, she aims to develop long-term, culturally relevant solutions to improve access to care and health outcomes for future generations.

The NHMRC’s Research Excellence Awards are presented annually to top-ranked researchers and teams following a rigorous peer review process. A/Prof Clark was presented with her award in front of an audience of the nation’s foremost health and medical researchers, collectively celebrated for their excellence, leadership, and impact.

In attendance was former SAHMRI Executive Director and current NHMRC CEO, Professor Steve Wesselingh, who says the awards perfectly underscore the NHMRC’s mission to build a healthier Australia.

“This recognition affirms the immense amount of talent reflected within our national health and medical research sector, and those who are not afraid to champion their bold ideas and push boundaries,” Prof Wesselingh said.

The Sandra Eades Investigator Grant Award, established by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), is named in honour of Professor Sandra Eades AO, a Noongar woman whose pioneering research in Indigenous child health has transformed the field.

As a co-leader of the Aboriginal Communities and Families Health Research Alliance (ACRA) at SAHMRI, A/Prof Clark is following in Professor Eades footsteps, with her dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with an emphasis on children and young people.

As a researcher and clinical psychologist, A/Prof Clark says she’s optimistic her Investigator Grant project will be a positive step towards developing a more inclusive system that considers the importance of wellbeing and mental health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

"I hope this research leads to more effective policies and programs that improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, to better meet the needs of our communities," she said.

Photo credit: Hilary Wardhaugh Photography