20 November 2013

 

A young researcher whose work could revolutionise our ability to diagnose and treat asthma and lung cancer, is to be honoured today with the Australian Synchrotron Stephen Wilkins Thesis Medal 2013.

 

Dr Stephen Dubsky from Monash University has developed a way to obtain highly-detailed x-ray ‘videos’ of blood flow and tissue movement in the lungs. This world-first achievement was part of his studies for a PhD degree at Monash University under the supervision of Associate Professor Andreas Fouras. The award is to be presented in Melbourne, at the Australian Synchrotron.

 

The new x-ray imaging method uses the unique brightness and coherence of synchrotron radiation to obtain high-speed 4D images of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The images are described as 4D because they show changes in three dimensions over time, with time being the fourth dimension.

 

With the support of the Australian Synchrotron’s International Synchrotron Access Program, Stephen made 10 trips to the SPring-8 synchrotron in Japan, where he spent more than 3000 hours conducting experiments and refining his x-ray imaging methods.

 

A world leader in lung physiology research reviewed Stephen’s doctoral thesis. He described the research as “impressive and truly novel” and awarded the thesis the highest possible merit score.

 

Stephen is now using the Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) at the Australian Synchrotron to accelerate the development of practical lung imaging methods for asthma, cystic fibrosis lung disease, emphysema and lung cancer. He also lectures engineering technology students, and has co-founded a spin-off business to pursue his goal of realising commercial and clinical applications for community benefit.

 

Stephen will receive his award and present a short talk on his work at the Australian Synchrotron User Meeting 2013, 21-22 November.

 

The Australian Synchrotron Stephen Wilkins Thesis Medal is named in honour of synchrotron pioneer Stephen Wilkins, who sadly passed away in March 2013.

 

“The thesis medal honours Stephen Wilkins’ creativity and his devotion to nurturing the next generation of scientists,” says Professor Andrew Peele, interim director of the Australian Synchrotron. “It’s a great privilege to acknowledge the achievements of young researchers such as 2013 thesis medal winner Stephen Dubsky who share our passion for synchrotron science and enthusiasm for new ideas.”

 

The Thesis Medal is awarded annually to the PhD student at an Australian or New Zealand University who is judged to have completed the most outstanding thesis of the past two years whose work was undertaken at and acknowledges the Australian Synchrotron, or the Australian National Beamline Facility (ANBF), or whose work acknowledges and was undertaken under the auspices of the International Synchrotron Access Program (ISAP) or the ASRP.