Dr Brendan Wilkinson

By Anthony Wood

University of New England chemistry lecturer Brendan Wilkinson is set to showcase his research in a series of talks in every state capital, after being awarded the prestigious Athel Beckwith Lectureship for 2017.

The award acknowledges outstanding young organic chemists, and provides a $3500 stipend and a bursary to offset the cost of travel around Australia to present the results of their research.

Dr Wilkinson was recognised for his work on the design and synthesis of responsive carbohydrate biomaterials and their biomedical applications.
While the announcement caught him by surprise, he said the award was not only a personal boost, but one that reflected positively on UNE.

“It’s a great honour to be awarded the Athel Beckwith Lectureship, and quite a surprise as well, as it usually goes to someone at one of the large city-based universities,” he said.

“It will allow me to communicate my research around the country and help lift the profile of UNE as well as benefiting my career.”

Dr Wilkinson will also present his research findings to audiences in at least one major metropolitan university and one located in a regional area.

The late Athel Beckwith was renowned for his contribution to organic chemistry in Australia. Like Dr Wilkinson, he spent time at Oxford University, and had an association with UNE through his work with chemistry Professor Stephen Glover, now an adjunct professor at the University.