Congratulations to NDARC’s Professor Anthony Shakeshaft who has been awarded the 2017 Dean of Medicine’s Award for Excellence in Research Supervision.
Over the past 10 years Professor Shakeshaft has supervised 23 students in the fields of substance abuse and public health, building their skills in integrating research methods into the delivery of health services and community-based prevention programs.
“The aim of my students’ research has been to improve outcomes for patients and prevent the occurrence of alcohol-related harms at a community level, as well as at an individual level,” Professor Shakeshaft said.
Professor Shakeshaft is also NDARC’s postgraduate co-ordinator, providing support to around 30 students per year and their supervisors.
His research programs provide pathways into higher degrees for disadvantaged students with limited opportunities, including students from developing countries and from indigenous communities.
“A key objective of our research program at NDARC is to create the next generation of drug and alcohol researchers,” Professor Shakeshaft said.
“I find it really gratifying to see my students go on to take up prestigious postdoctoral positions, or go on to senior positions in government where they can directly influence policy.
“By opening doors to people who might not otherwise consider a career in postgraduate research, we can enable them to take that knowledge back to their own communities and make a real difference on the ground.”
Professor Shakeshaft said he was humbled by the Faculty’s recognition of his work and the work of his students in the drug and alcohol field and in public health.
“Given the world-class breadth of knowledge and research expertise across the Faculty, it is very encouraging to receive this recognition.”
“A higher degree is a demanding and challenging undertaking. It requires students to balance the twin necessities of imagining what might be possible with the demands of pain-staking research methods.
“This challenge does not discriminate: it is there for anyone who is willing to take it on.”
