Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg wins Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year

The Child and Adolescent Health Service congratulates Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg, Consultant Anaesthetist at Perth Children’s Hospital and Chair of Paediatric Anaesthesia at The University of Western Australia, for her amazing achievements in the world of science which were recognised at the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2024 last night.

The prestigious Australia-wide awards recognise individuals for achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation, and science teaching.

Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg has been awarded the coveted Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year for her life-changing research into reducing risks associated with anaesthesia for children, to make surgery and recovery safer.

More impressive still, Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg’s work has been incorporated into international guidelines and has changed how anaesthesia for children is performed worldwide.

With a career spanning over 30 years, this award adds to an impressive list of accomplishments, including:

• 2024 Named one of the 50 Remarkable and Inspirational Women in Australia Science, Cosmos Magazine
• 2024 Awarded UWA Medical School Award for Research Mentoring
• 2023 Elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences
• 2023 Mid-Career Scientist of the Year, Western Australia Premier’s Science Award
• 2023 Western Australia Science Ambassador
• 2022 Western Australia Tall Poppy of the Year
• 2022 Inductee, Western Australia Women’s Hall of Fame
• 2020 Appointed to the Clinical Senate of Western Australia
• 2014 Section Editor, Paediatric Anaesthesia

For Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg, children always come first.

“We know that the experiences we have as a child in healthcare and particularly surgery, can shape not only the now but also the future and long-term health as an adult.” Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg said.

“If a child needs a vital operation, my aim is for this surgery to be as safe and comfortable for the child as possible.”

Valerie Jovanovic, CAHS Chief Executive said Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg is renowned across the globe, and it was a privilege to work alongside her at PCH.

“The Child and Adolescent Health Service congratulates Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg on this prestigious acknowledgement of her continuing groundbreaking work in anaesthetics,” Ms Jovanovic said.

“This award celebrates her exploration of cutting-edge technologies and new methods to enhance the wellbeing and recovery of patients. We are honoured to have Britta as part of our team providing exceptional and innovative care to the children of Western Australia.”

Congratulations once again to Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg and all this year’s award winners.

To find out more about Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg’s work and a full list of winners, visit the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science website.