Young science scholars flourish as tall poppies

Remarkable early-career scholars from The Australian National University (ANU) have been recognised with prestigious ACT Young Tall Poppy Science Awards for their significant contributions to sustainable energy,  

Associate Professor Xiaolin Wang, Dr Emily Furlong and Dr Ashley Jones have been acknowledged for their innovative developments to hydrogen storage, antimicrobial resistance and the adaptability of Australian plants.

The campaign, created by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) in 1998, celebrates the valuable contributions made by science researchers within the discipline.  

Associate Professor Wang is developing cutting-edge technologies that utilise gas hydrates – ice-like materials that trap gas molecules – for efficient and safe hydrogen storage.  

Gas hydrates are capable of holding large amounts of gas, including greenhouse gases, aiding in the reduction of pollution in our atmosphere.  

Her investigation aims to tackle a key barrier to the global clean energy transition: how to store and transport hydrogen affordably at scale.  

She has discovered a way to lower the pressure required to create gas hydrates, making the process both safer and more affordable.  

“By advancing this gas storage method, we aim to reduce energy losses and infrastructure costs, making hydrogen a more practical option for everyday use,” Wang says.  

There are a range of potential applications of her work, including in renewable power systems, long-distance energy transport and low-emission fuels for industry and transport. 

“Receiving this recognition encourages me to keep pushing the boundaries of clean energy technologies and advancing the ways to store a wide range of gases for utilisation, that can help accelerate our move towards a more sustainable future,” she says.  

“This recognition is not for me alone, but a testament to the dedication and accomplishments of the students and researchers in my group.” 

Dr Emily Furlong, Group Leader of the Furlong Group – Bacterial Structural Defence laboratory, is researching the fundamental processes in bacteria to identify new targets for antibacterial therapies.  

Following an alarming report from the World Health Organisation in 2019 which demanded urgent action to prevent antimicrobial resistance, Furlong and her team have been investigating fundamental bacterial processes to develop novel therapeutic targets and strategies to combat bacterial infections.  

“To create new antibacterial therapies, we need to better understand important processes within bacteria and find molecules that will stop these processes,” Furlong says.  

By utilising high-powered microscopes, X-ray beams and artificial intelligence, Furlong is able to “see” proteins from inside different types of bacteria.  

“These proteins are like very small machines that are important for bacterial survival of their ability to cause disease,” she says.  

“Being able to see what these ‘machines’ look like enables us to develop strategies to stop them from working. 

“I feel very honoured to be a recipient of an ACT Young Tall Poppy Award. It encourages and inspires me to continue sharing my research with people outside my scientific field.” 

Dr Ashley Jones – known as the “DNA whisperer” – is pioneering new research into Australian native plants to uncover exactly how these plants adapt and respond to climate change and fight fungal disease, including myrtle rust. 

His work involves using cutting-edge DNA sequencing technology to better understand the genome structures of Eucalyptus trees, wattles, grass trees and paperbarks.  

“This knowledge is crucial to maintain healthy and resilient forests and ensure a vibrant future for our Australian landscapes,” he says. 

“Australia has a rich biodiversity of native plants that provide habitat for wildlife and are deeply embedded within Australian culture, however, they’re in real danger from invasive fungal diseases, deforestation and climate change.”:  

His work has also helped improve Australia’s biosecurity, as well combating COVID-19 through virus genome surveillance.  

Since the beginning of the initiative, many ANU early-career scholars have been recognised for their impact and commitment to the engagement, promotion and study of science.  

Read about the Tall Poppy Awards at the AIPS website.