In 2000, the University of Queensland honoured some of its leading early career researchers in disciplines ranging from biochemistry to performing arts and from zoology through to chemical engineering, with nearly half a million dollars in special funding grants. They were:

Dr Bostjan Kobe from the Department of Biochemistry for his ground-breaking work on viral infections. This research is ultimately searching for ways to stop the spread of viruses such as HIV, human T-cell leukemia and Ebola. Dr Kobe's biggest projects involve determining the three-dimensional structures of proteins, how they function, how they affect biological processes and finally what drugs can be designed to inhibit these processes. Dr Bostjan Kobe www.uq.edu.au/uqresearchers/researcher/kobeb.html
Dr James Tresilian from the Department of Human Movement Studies for his research into human perception and motor behaviour. By better understanding just how the mind and muscle interact, Dr Tresilian's work has the potential to improve road safety and assist people who are suffering from strokes. The funding from the award will allow Dr Tresilian to boost signficantly his interactive computer graphics (Virtual Reality) equipment run in collaboration with Dr Guy Wallis. Dr James Tresilian www.uq.edu.au/uqresearchers/researcher/tresilianjr.html
Dr Helen Gilbert from the Department of English for research into Asian influences on Australian contemporary performance. The award helped Dr Gilbert complete a book with Dr Jacqueline Lo. Dr Gilbert's work will fill a gap in the literature, which is critical in understanding Australia's multicultural society. She argues Asian influences in Australia have generally been prominent, although often unacknowledged.
Dr Michael Lee from the Department of Zoology and Entomology for his research shedding light on one of the most hotly disputed areas of evolutionary theory involving the relationship between turtles, crocodiles and other reptiles. The long-standing theory that turtles are a very primitive lineage only distantly related to other modern groups was called into question recently by several molecular analyses which suggested turtles were closely related to crocodiles. Dr Lee feels these findings may be suspect, and he is hoping his molecular analysis funded by the research award will paint a clearer picture.
Dr Peter Adams from the Department of Mathematics for devising a relatively simple way of solving some of the world's most complicated problems. He has developed a system where a network of more than 60 personal computers can solve problems considerably faster and cheaper than a supercomputer. These techniques are best-suited to problems where a large number of options or combinations need to be tested, such as in areas related to DNA-sequencing, drug-design and computer security. Dr Peter Adams www.uq.edu.au/uqresearchers/researcher/adamsp.html
Dr Stuart Phinn from the Department of Geographical Sciences and Planning for his role in developing better ways of using satellite images to monitor the health of the environment. There is a growing demand for analysing remote sensor images, and Dr Phinn's work has applications not only for national park management, but also for the management of farm crops, agricultural land and mine rehabilitation. Dr Stuart Phinn www.uq.edu.au/uqresearchers/researcher/phinnsr.html
Dr Lars Nielsen from the Department of Chemical Engineering for his work on improving the success of bone-marrow transplants. Dr Nielsen has developed a technique of growing blood cells in tissue culture so they can be transfused to patients during bone marrow transplantations therefore lowering the risk of life-threatening infections. Dr Lars Nielsen www.uq.edu.au/uqresearchers/researcher/nielsenlk.html

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