Harry Giese AM MBE (1913–2000) was a community leader and administrator who played a key role in the establishment of the Menzies School of Health Research as the first faculty of the Northern Territory University. During Menzies’ establishment years, from the late 1970s to the 1990s, he served on the Board and National Executive of the Menzies Foundation.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of health and education in Northern Australia, the Giese family, with Menzies, offer the Harry Christian Giese – Research into Action Award.

The 2018 Award Winner is Menzies researcher Dr Kamala Ley-Thriemer, who will use her award as part of an international project seeking to improve the treatment of malaria, working with communities and policy makers to facilitate the translation of research outcomes into better policy and practice.

Dr Ley-Thriemer will host community consultations in malaria-endemic countries Indonesia, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Vietnam to gain feedback on current treatment and community guidance on introducing a new shorter treatment regime, which is expected to be more effective.

“This project will help to guide the implementation of radical cure role out. This could be an important tool to help eliminate malaria and set public policy for treatment in a range of countries,” said Dr Ley-Thriemer.  

Past winners of the Award are continuing with their valuable work at Menzies:

2017 – Dr Renae Kirkham
2016 – Dr Jaqui Hughes
2015 - Professor Gail Garvey
2014 – Dr Matthew Grigg
2013 – Dr Gabrielle McCallum