Charles Sturt University Distinguished Alumnus of the Year – Research Excellence
This award recognises outstanding research leaders whose research is changing lives, or whose scholarly contributions have made a substantial impact in their field of research.
Winner: Professor Stuart Blacksell
Career: Researcher, Biosafety and Infectious Disease Expert, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit and University of Oxford
Course: Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science), 1994
Professor Stuart Blacksell is an internationally recognised researcher whose work has advanced the understanding, diagnosis and control of infectious diseases across Southeast Asia and beyond. For more than three decades, he has led research programs focused on tropical and emerging infectious diseases, improving disease surveillance, diagnostic capability and laboratory biosafety in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
Based at the Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) in Thailand, Professor Blacksell leads multidisciplinary research spanning microbiology, zoonotic diseases and pandemic preparedness. His work has improved the diagnosis and management of diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis and rickettsial infections, contributing to better health outcomes in some of the world's most vulnerable communities.
An internationally respected expert in biosafety and biosecurity, Professor Blacksell has contributed to global health policy through advisory roles with the World Health Organisation, including membership of the International Health Regulations Roster of Experts and the WHO Biosafety Advisory Group. His research has informed international standards and guidance used by laboratories worldwide.
With more than 280 peer-reviewed publications and a longstanding commitment to mentoring emerging scientists, Professor Blacksell's career exemplifies research excellence, global collaboration and real-world impact.
