The Pfizer Australia Research Fellowships have been awarded to Dr Ricky Johnstone of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Victoria and Associate Professor David Mackey of Royal Hobart Hospital Eye Clinic in Tasmania.
Dr Johnstone is studying the molecular mechanisms of chemotherapeutic drug action and resistance, while Associate Professor Mackey is researching the genetic inheritance of glaucoma.
Pfizer Australia Research Fellowships are worth $A1m over five years and are awarded in critical fields like brain stem cell activity, HIV and neuropsychiatric disorders. The latest grants bring the total to seven.
Previous recipients have been:
Pfizer Australia Regional Director John Young said the Fellowships are a tangible demonstration that Australia's researchers are the equal to any in the world.
"Through the significant financial support of programs like the Pfizer Australia Research Fellowships, we aim to encourage leaders in biomedical research to establish a career in this country," Mr Young said.
"Support of this level is vital for the future of both biomedical science and Australian society."
"It not only shows we're a world centre of biomedical research, but is contributing significantly to the future health of all of us."
Pfizer Australia is the nation's leading research-based health care company. It discovers, develops, manufactures and markets innovative medical treatments for both humans and animals. Pfizer Australia is investing in more than $A42m in local research and development in 2005. For more information visit www.pfizer.com.au