The Foundation established an additional award in 2005 at the University of Melbourne to be presented at the faculty of Science annual Dean’s Awards function. Named the John A McKenzie / Selby Scientific Foundation Award it provides continuing recognition of Professor McKenzie’s seven years of distinguished service as Dean of the Faculty.

Awarded to a student who has completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biomedicine, and is pursuing one of the following: a research training program in the Master of Science, the Postgraduate Diploma in Science or the final year of the degree of Bachelor of Science with honours or Bachelor of Biomedicine with honours, in the Department of Genetics.

The Foundation congratulates this year's award winner:

• Gemma Van Der Hurk, Master of Science (BioSciences), University of Melbourne

Gemma Van Der Hurk

Master of Science (BioSciences)
University of Melbourne
Awarded on 13/06/2023

I am a mature-age student who returned to study because I care deeply about the ecological degradation occurring globally. I ultimately resolved to dedicate myself to the cause, made some significant life changes and even relocated cities to study at the University of Melbourne. 

Now, my research project investigates both the evolution of genes implicated in insecticide resistance in the vinegar fly, and the patterns we see in Australian populations of these insects. 

Through this research, I hope to contribute to the body of work which aims to attenuate the use of insecticides—a mission made critical by the alarming loss of insect biodiversity currently witnessed globally—in addition to understanding evolution in response to anthropogenic pressures more broadly. 

Receiving the John A McKenzie/Selby Scientific Foundation Award—other than being an enormous honour—will have a lifelong impact, particularly with respect to my professional development. I also work alongside my studies to support myself; thus, receiving this financial assistance means I can do so less and focus on my research project at the University. This recognition of my accomplishments and dedication is heartening encouragement and support towards my goal of becoming a research scientist and academic. 

While I express my deepest gratitude towards the donor(s) and selection committee, I also want to thank my instructors and mentors at the University of Melbourne, who have inspired and motivated me along this path. This award is an enormously significant contribution to the support I am grateful to have received during my journey at the University. 

With the sincerest of thanks. 

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