Two emerging leaders within the Kolling Institute’s Ageing and Pharmacology Lab are gaining attention for their impressive work to improve the quality use of medications.
Dr Nashwa Masnoon and Dr Kenji Fujita have received prestigious awards at the annual meeting of the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT).
Nashwa, who is also a pharmacist at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH), has been awarded the inaugural ASCEPT Tony Smith Quality Use of Medicines Prize.
Head of the Ageing and Pharmacology Lab Professor Sarah Hilmer said this new prize is aimed at recognising influential researchers promoting the quality use of medicines.
“Nashwa is well known to many across the Northern Sydney Local Health District as a previous Medication Safety Pharmacist and as the Drug Burden Index Stewardship Pharmacist at RNSH, Ryde and Hornsby hospitals during a recent clinical trial,” she said.
“We are thrilled that she has been recognised for her work, which analysed data from hospital medication reviews of older patients in six hospitals across Sydney.
“The award will give Nashwa an opportunity to participate in a Science Meets Parliament event next year where she will be able to discuss crucial research and healthcare issues with federal political leaders.”
In another sign of the strength of the Ageing and Pharmacology research group, Dr Fujita was awarded the Belberry New Investigator Award, recognising him as an emerging leader in pharmacology.
“This award was based on Kenji’s large body of research using big data analysis to understand geriatric pharmacology and improve the quality use of medicines in older adults,” said Professor Hilmer.
“Kenji has applied his deep knowledge of pharmacy, pharmacology and data analysis to collaborative research spanning bench to bedside. His research findings will improve the use of medicines to enable healthy ageing.”
Professor Hilmer said it was encouraging to see two members of her team honoured for their substantial research progress.
The awards were presented at the annual scientific meeting of ASCEPT in Melbourne.