Auriane Drack Awarded Runner-Up of FameLab Australia 2024

Auriane Drack, a PhD student from the Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, recently participated as one of twelve national finalists in FameLab Australia 2024.

The Melbourne Medical School is thrilled to congratulate Auriane on being awarded runner-up for her innovative and engaging presentation, “Joining forces to repair broken hearts.”

Pictured: Auriane Drack presenting at FameLab Australia 2024

FameLab is the world’s leading public-facing science communication competition and training program, created by Cheltenham Festivals (UK) in 2005. Each of the finalists – early career researchers and ambitious science communicators from universities and research institutions across Australia – were required to communicate their research in just three minutes using simple, everyday language.

Auriane’s PhD is looking at repairing cardiac cells damaged during a heart attack by leveraging the messaging system of our cells known as extracellular vesicles. By delivering these little messengers locally to the heart using a cardiac patch made of silk, she aims to improve heart function for patients suffering from heart failure.

Good science communication is crucial, Auriane says, because it makes complex ideas accessible and engaging for everyone.

“It’s not just about relaying facts; it’s about connecting with people and making science relevant to their lives.”

To watch Auriane share her expertise firsthand, the full video of her FameLab presentation is linked here, beginning from 1:01:00.

Congratulations to Auriane on this outstanding achievement.