Professor Berkovic wins 2006 Scientific Research Medal

Director of the Epilepsy Research Centre, Professor Samuel Berkovic has been awarded the 2006 Research Medal for Scientific Research in Human Health from The Royal Society of Victoria. Established in 1854, The Royal Society of Victoria works for the promotion and advancement of Science and Technology.

A neurologist and clinical researcher, Professor Berkovic won the award for his extensive research into epilepsy. The 2006 Research Medal for Scientific Research in Human Health is the latest in a growing number of accolades for Professor Berkovic. He says each is significant in their own right.

“Firstly it is wonderful to be recognised in my own state and this award is across all areas of science,” Professor Berkovic said.

Recipients of the medal are selected for scientific research of the highest calibre.

“To be included amongst so many previous worthy winners is an honour,” he said.

Professor Berkovic and his research team discovered the first ever epilepsy gene in 1995. This groundbreaking work had vast implications for epilepsy research.

In the years following this discovery Professor Berkovic and the Australian team discovered eight of the 11 genes now known to be associated with epilepsy.

Professor Berkovic has also received the 2005 Zulch Prize of Germany’s Max Planck Society for outstanding achievement in neurological research, the 2005 Curtin

Medal for outstanding contribution to medial science, and the 2002 GlaxoSmithKline Australia Award for Research Excellence.

Professor Berkovic will be honoured in a ceremony to take place on 14 December at The Royal Society of Victoria’s Society Hall.

Article taken from Week at a Glance, Austin Health Vol. 4 No.34 September 18, 2006 weekly Staff Newsletter