ASM Renames Early Career Researcher Award to Honor Past-President and Global Leader, Professor Dena Lyras

The Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM) is proud to announce the renaming of its early career researcher award, which is given to a rising star in each state every year. The ASM Early Career Researcher Award will now be known as the ASM Dena Lyras Early Career Researcher Award.

The renaming recognizes the outstanding contributions of Professor Dena Lyras, a world-leading microbiologist, dedicated mentor, and Past-President of the ASM, for her significant impact on ASM and her unwavering support for the next generation of scientists.

The award, which is highly sought after by emerging talent across Australia, provides a crucial platform for Early Career Researchers (ECRs). Each year, one ECR member from every ASM State Branch is selected to attend and present their work at the ASM Annual Scientific Meeting. Recipients receive support to attend the meeting and to showcase their research to the national microbiology community.

Professor Dena Lyras, based at Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute, is internationally renowned for her research into enteric pathogens, particularly the molecular mechanisms of Clostridium difficile infection and the dynamics of antibiotic resistance. Her research has been instrumental in reshaping our understanding of gut pathogens and developing new therapeutic strategies. Importantly, Professor Lyras also has a deep commitment to mentorship and supporting ECRs and thus more than fitting for this award to be named after her.

“I am deeply honored this award carries my name. I have immense respect and gratitude for ASM and our vibrant, supportive community, and I’m especially delighted that this award celebrates early career researchers, the next generation of microbiologists whose success I am passionate about supporting” said Professor Lyras.

The ASM Dena Lyras Early Career Researcher Award will stand as a permanent acknowledgment of her exceptional contributions to both microbial science and the infrastructure of support for ECRs in Australia. You can find more information on this award here: https://www.theasm.org.au/asm-early-career-researcher-award

Professor Dena Lyras