Monash University Professor wins top honour
Monash University Professor Dan Lubman has received the Senior Scientist Award at the 2017 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and Other Drugs (APSAD) Awards, for his work as the Director of Turning Point.
The Annual APSAD Awards for Excellence in Science, Research and Practice provide peer recognition for those working in the drug and alcohol field in Australasia.
The Senior Scientist Award is given to a scientist who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of substance use and misuse.
Prof Lubman has been instrumental in bringing together the mental health and addiction fields in Victoria as a clinician, researcher and contributor to policy development.
His recent notable work has included:
- investigating the impact of alcohol and drug use on brain function;
- the relationship between substance use, gambling and mental disorder; and
- the development of targeted intervention programs in school, primary care, mental health and drug treatment settings.
Prof Lubman said he was humbled to receive the award.
“I am grateful to my colleagues at APSAD for this honour.
“Much of what we work on in the addiction field is a team effort. It requires a sharing of ideas, dedication, and a commitment to evidence-based research.
“To my colleagues who I have worked with and the sector as a whole, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support.”
Prof Lubman said it was important that science continued to be recognised as playing a key role in finding answers to the complexities of addiction. It was also essential it was looked to in policy development.
“As a sector, it is vital we continue to take an evidence-based approach when working with government on addiction policy.
“It is important we maintain our ongoing commitment to scientific research, and continue to engage with all sectors of the community to find what paths are available when tackling addiction.”
The Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) is the preeminent
membership organisation for professional alcohol and other drug workers in Australasia. Its membership includes clinicians, practitioners, educators, policy specialists and academics.
About Turning Point
Turning Point is a national treatment, research and education centre that provides leadership in the alcohol and drug, gambling and mental health sectors.
Combining research with service innovation, surveillance, system enhancements, capacity building and specialist support, Turning Point is a recognised centre of excellence that assists services, communities and governments to respond to current and emerging issues.
Turning Point is part of Eastern Health and is affiliated with Monash University.