Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard congratulates Mr Stephan Karl, a PhD student at University of WA, for being named the WA winner of the AusBiotech-GSK Student Excellence Awards (Award). Mr Karl resides within the Alfred Cove Electorate.

"The annual Award recognises and encourages student researchers in the fields of life science, biotechnology and bio-engineering," said Dr Woollard.

"The Award also raises awareness about translating research into practical applications.

"Mr Karl’s research was into high sensitivity detection of malaria transmitting cells.

"He will compete for the national title at the AusBiotech10 conference in Melbourne from 19 to 22 October where he could win a $7,000 grant to allow him to present his research at an international conference."

Dr Woollard said Mr Karl’s research is valuable in helping to fight malaria, which causes close to one million deaths annually in the developing world.

"Mr Karl’s research involves developing equipment which is to be used in the better detection of the germ cells, or gametocytes, that transmit the disease.

"This research is particularly important when it has been found that the germ cells are not entirely removed by anti-malarial drugs, and could survive in the blood stream even after successful treatment."

An abstract of Mr Karl’s research is attached for further information.

Dr Woollard said Mr Karl will be presented with his Award certificate by Professor Lyn Beazley, WA’s Chief Scientist, at 5 pm on Thursday, 14 October, in the Aboriginal People’s Room at Parliament House.

"I join Mr Karl’s family, colleagues and friends in congratulating him once again on his success, and wish him all the best for the national competition," said Dr Woollard.