RCH Paediatrician and infectious diseases physician Associate Professor Andrew Steer has been named the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Frank Fenner Award.

Presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID), the award is the highest accolade given by the society in recognition of outstanding advanced research in infectious diseases.

In their presentation of the award, ASID President, Professor Cheryl Jones, and National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) CEO, Professor Anne Kelso, paid tribute to Andrew’s international reputation as a leader in paediatric infectious diseases and specifically, his world-leading research into Group A Streptococcal, Rheumatic Heart disease, tropical skin diseases and scabies.

RCH Chief Medical Officer Peter McDougall commended Andrew on his award and acknowledged the contribution his research has made to the field of international child health and the reputation of the Melbourne Children’s Campus.

“Andrew is a very talented researcher and clinician. I expect that this award will be one amongst many and reflects his successful leadership of teams in research which make a real difference to child health,” he said.

In accepting his award, Andrew said he was honoured to be recognised by his peers and in particular, wanted to thank his research team.

“The strength of our team, and my own work, rests with the diversity of our research and I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of my colleagues whose expertise have helped make today’s success possible,” he said.

The Frank Fenner award is named in honour of Professor Frank Fenner, an Australian pioneer of viral research who played a central part in the global eradication of smallpox, chairing the World Health Organization Global Commission for the Certification of Smallpox Eradication.