Professor Maria Makrides was recognised for her significant contributions to the field of health and medical research last Wednesday at the Research Excellence Awards in Canberra. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) celebrates Australia’s leading health and medical researchers at its at the annual ceremony.
Professor Makrides, along with Professor Robert Gibson, was acknowledged for their project ‘Food for Future Australians’, which redefines nutritional requirements, particularly focusing on omega-3 fatty acids. Their work has had a profound impact on international food laws and nutrition recommendations worldwide.
“The realisation that you’ve found clear evidence, when you see it for the first time, it literally causes the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up. Honestly, it’s the most incredible feeling,” Prof. Makrides said, expressing her gratitude.
This recognition adds to Professor Makrides’ prestigious accolades, including being named SA Scientist of the Year in 2022 for her lifelong dedication to nutrition research, particularly regarding the needs of pregnant women and young children.
The project, conducted from 2013 to 2019, involved large-scale clinical trials with pregnant women and the development of new technology for blood sample assessment. Their findings have already led to significant breakthroughs, including the discovery that low intakes of omega-3 fatty acids are linked to an increased risk of preterm birth.
They also demonstrated that supplements can lower this risk and improve cognitive function in babies born very premature.
“We’ve demonstrated that by five years of age, supplements will have improved their IQ and recovered about 30 per cent of what they’ve lost by being born very preterm,” said Professor Gibson.
The NHMRC’s ’10 of the Best’ series also highlighted their project, recognising it as one of the most impactful research projects funded by the NHMRC grant program in 2021.
