Prestigious Research Award for Dr Tamsyn Van Rheenen

​Dr Tamsyn Van Rheenen, early career researcher at Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, a joint centre of Melbourne Health (North Western Mental Health) and The University of Melbourne (Department of Psychiatry), was awarded the Academy of the Social Sciences' in Australia (ASSA) Paul Bourke Award for Early Career Research.

The Academy honours Australians in the early part of their career, who have achieved excellence in scholarship in one or more fields of the social sciences.

Each of the panels of the Academy select one exceptional researcher from the nominations received to be the recipients of the Paul Bourke Award for Early Career Research.

The ASSA describes Tamsyn as an exceptional early career researcher whose work has advanced understanding of the brain and behaviour in severe mental illness.

At an FTE of just 3 years post-PhD, she has already authored 38 papers and two book chapters in leading international journals, and secured a career total of >$700,000 in competitive grant funding.

The scientific and public impact of her work is apparent through considerable citations (relative to opportunity) and (inter)national media coverage.

Her leadership potential and international visibility is reflected in expert taskforce and national society appointments, editorial and speaking invitations, and multiple international collaborations.

Her scientific excellence has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including a Discovery Award High Commendation from Research Australia, and an Association for Psychological Science Rising Star Award.

Tamsyn's outstanding track record, combined with community engagement, transcends many of her early-career peers, undoubtedly positioning her as an emerging leader and powerful role model for young researchers.

The Paul Bourke Award for Early Career Research comprises a Citation and Medallion presented to the winners at the Academy's Annual Fellows Dinner to be held on 13 November 2018 in Canberra.

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