Celebrating Outstanding Research in Physiology
- L.R
Helen Laburn Research Prize awarded Professors Andrea Fuller and Angela Woodiwiss, for their remarkable achievements in scientific research.
Professor Helen Laburn served a remarkable three decades with the Faculty of Health Sciences. She was Head of the School of Physiology between 2000 and 2006, then become Dean of the Faculty until 2010, after which she served the University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research.
Her passion for research and the resultant drive to promote it is reflected in a lasting legacy at the Faculty – in the Helen Laburn Research Prize. This is an annual award given for outstanding research performance in the School of Physiology over the previous two years. On Friday the 24th of February this award was jointly made to Professors Andrea Fuller and Angela Woodiwiss, for their remarkable achievements in scientific research.
Both recipients were individually inspired by Prof. Helen Laburn. In Professor Andrea Fuller’s case, it was Helen’s passion for research that triggered her illustrious career in science. During her Honours year, Prof Laburn taught the students research methodology, with “Surely You’re Joking, Mr Feynman!” being compulsory reading; “The introduction to that curious character is etched on my mind as a factor influencing my choice to pursue an academic career”. Prof Laburn also was a core member of the Brain Function Research Group, where she influenced the early career development of Prof. Fuller and many other emerging researchers.
Now the director of the Brain Function Research Group, Prof Fuller has authored 20 publications and graduated 4 higher degree students, amongst other achievements, in the last two years. The focus of her current research is the physiological capacity of terrestrial mammals to cope with predicted effects of climate change. Her research interests also include game capture physiology and pharmacology, and the relationship between brain and body temperature regulation in mammals. Prof Fuller is the Chair of the Section on Thermal Physiology, International Commission of Comparative Physiology of the International Union of Physiological Sciences and an NRF rated B3 researcher.
By contrast, Prof Woodiwiss the co-director of the Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit didn’t get to meet Prof Laburn until she left physiotherapy clinical practice to join the then Department of Physiology and pursue her research full time. “Prof. Laburn’s passion for science and research was indelibly applied across the school. It infiltrated everything and I am grateful that my career has been imbued with this thinking”.
Prof. Woodiwiss undertakes research in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Over the years, she has explored the role of various cardiovascular risk factors and their impact on target organs (heart, brain, kidney and vasculature). Her current focus is on the measurement and effects of aortic pressure on cardiovascular diseases. Over the last two years, she has authored 23 publications as well as graduated 3 higher degree students, in addition to other academic achievements. Prof Woodiwiss was recently elected as the President of the Hypertension Society of Southern Africa and she currently holds an NRF B2 rating.
“Both Professors Fuller and Woodiwiss are a true credit to the research community at Wits. They have demonstrated how teamwork and collaboration are key to achieving successful research careers,” said Prof. Willie Daniels, Head of the School of Physiology.
The Helen Laburn Research Prize was created in honour of Professor Helen Laburn who passed away in 2014, to celebrate and honour her invaluable and special contribution to creating an environment in which research excellence can thrive.