INTERDISCIPLINARY public health scientist Dr Aparna Lal has been awarded the 2023 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year Award for pioneering research into environmental resilience.

Her innovative research looks at how ecological change affects population health unequally, and how strengthening environmental surveillance can enhance community health.

“I am honoured to receive this award. After celebrating by going out for ice cream, I plan to continue my work in this exciting field,” she said.

Dr Lal, an associate professor at the ANU, is an international expert on how human wellbeing can improve the outcomes of environmental repair and how changes in the environment can act as an early warning system for population health. Her work has had a profound impact across disciplines – including making a lasting contribution to public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Lal led the ACT’s sewage surveillance program for COVID-19, which was one of the first to be set up in Australia and became the longest running daily wastewater testing program.

“I hope that being named the 2023 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year will inspire other women and young people to consider working in a scientific field,” she said.

“My interest and love for science began with reading. I believe that reading sparks curiosity and imagination, the foundation of all science.

“I’d like to thank my children, colleagues and peers who have helped me throughout my journey.”