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:

• Angelina Almeida, Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Genetics, University of Melbourne

Angelina Almeida

Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Genetics
University of Melbourne
Awarded on 17/04/2026

I would like to sincerely thank you for selecting me as the recipient of the prize. I am truly honoured to receive this award, and I am grateful for the recognition of my hard work through my Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne. This award is particularly meaningful to me, as I am deeply passionated about genetics.

Indeed, I am currently undertaking a research project focusing on a rare genetic condition at the Hime Lab, which strengthens my passion for research. My interest in genetics started in secondary school and was shaped by personal experience as my brother lives with a severe and rare genetic condition. Additionally, my secondary school had many children with autism and since then, I have always been interested in human genetic disorders.

My ideal career would be to investigate rare genetic conditions to contribute to their characterisation and the development of potential therapies, not only to aid families, but also to improve patient outcomes.

This award represents an important source of motivation as I continue to build my dream career of studying human genetic disorders. Indeed, as an international student, this prize is even more meaningful as it reflects the perseverance required to pursue a Bachelor of Science abroad.

This prize will also strengthen my academic profile and applications for PhD and research opportunities.

The University of Melbourne has provided an incredible level of support across my degree. Lecturers were passionated about teaching and discussing their research projects. Also, they invested significant amount of time explaining harder concepts and made themselves available through the week for one-to-one meetings.

This level of dedication reinforced my passion for genetics and the outstanding environment has motivated me to continue my studies here by undertaking a Honours program. I am deeply pleased by having a supportive and dedicated supervisor and working on a project of which I am particularly affectionate. Currently, I am planning to pursue a PhD at The University of Melbourne and remain in genetic research.

Thank you again for your generosity and encouraging me, via this award, to achieve my dream career.

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