The Kirby Institute’s Professor Miles Davenport is among a team of Australian researchers who were named as finalists in the prestigious Prime Minister’s Prize for Science.
The team also includes Doherty Institute’s Professor Katherine Kedzierska, Professor Stephen Kent and Professor Kanta Subbarao, who along with Prof. Davenport were nominated for their significant contributions to understanding COVID-19 immunology and virology during the pandemic.
Prof Davenport leads the Infection Analytics Program at the Kirby Institute, which has used analysis and modelling to predict vaccine and treatment effectiveness against different SARS-CoV-2 variants. This work has been cited in global vaccine policy documents from multiple agencies including the World Health Organization, US Centres for Disease Control, US Food and Drug Authority, Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), and UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and is driving international guidelines for vaccines.
“Miles and his colleagues have conducted highly influential research, delivering critical insights that have contributed to improved health outcomes as the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved,” said Professor Anthony Kelleher, Director of the Kirby Institute. “This acknowledgement of their collaboration and insight is thoroughly deserved.”