Anxiety and mood disorder expert Associate Professor Viviana Wuthrich has received a prestigious Young Tall Poppy Science Award for her work on developing manualised and computerised anxiety and mood treatment systems. Viviana accepted the award during a gala event recognising New South Wales’ best young scientists.

“Several of Associate Professor Wuthrich’s programs have already been implemented and her work is having real-world impact. Viviana’s work shows off the world-changing research Macquarie University conducts every day,” says Macquarie’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Sakkie Pretorius.

Viviana, a Developmental Psychologist who has broad research interests in understanding the development and presentation of mental health across the life span, says that she was stunned when she heard the news.

“When I found out I had received this award, it made me stop and rethink my progress and realise that maybe I have achieved more than I give myself credit for.”

Organised by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS), the awards acknowledge the world-class research contributions of a small group of our state’s best and brightest early career researchers who are also passionate science communicators.

“To me, this award is particularly special as, unlike most career awards, it acknowledges the importance of both high quality research but also the importance of communicating research findings to the general community,” says Viviana.

Praise for Viviana’s accomplishments has also come from other members of the University, with Professor Ron Rapee commenting, “Viviana’s work is helping the millions of older people who struggle with anxiety and depression – an area of increasing importance due to our aging population.”

The award winners will now be involved in various workshops and seminars held over the next year that promote knowledge of, study and careers in science among school students, teachers and the broader community.

Learn more about the Young Tall Poppy Awards.