Sydney psychologist wins NSW Young Tall Poppy of the Year 2024
Dr Fardouly (left) receives her Young Tall Poppy of the Year 2024 award from one of the judges, Professor Maria Kavallaris.
University of Sydney psychologist and Horizon Fellow Dr Jasmine Fardouly has been named the overall Young Tall Poppy of the Year recipient for 2024.
Dr Fardouly, whose research focuses on the impact social media has on young people’s body image, mood and eating behaviours, was selected from 12 winners from across the state.
The annual NSW Tall Poppy Science Awards recognise and celebrate researchers who demonstrate scientific excellence combined with a unique passion for science communication, which can inspire young people to enter STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) study and careers.
Dr Fardouly, from the School of Psychology, said: “I am honoured to have been selected as the NSW Young Tall Poppy of the Year. This award means so much to me because it focuses not only on the importance and quality of research, but also on communicating research findings with the community.
“My research is enriched by engaging with the community and learning about their perspectives and experiences.”
Dr Fardouly’s research aims to discover how social media can be made into a safer environment for young people. Her work has found that focusing on positive social media content can improve body image by challenging narrow beauty ideals and encouraging the acceptance of all bodies.
“Through my work, I want to help young people become less focused on and unhappy with their appearance, so that they can reach their full potential,” Dr Fardouly said.
Our other Tall Poppy winners
Dr Laura Gardner (left) and Dr Ting Rei Tan.
Quantum physicist and Horizon Fellow Dr Ting Rei Tan, from Sydney Nano and the School of Physics, was recognised for his research in quantum computing which includes applications in the pharmaceutical, chemical and energy industries, and Dr Lauren Gardner, a Senior Research Fellow within the Matilda Centre and the Faculty of Medicine and Health, was honoured for her research into vaping prevention in schools.
Dr Tan’s research aims to solve problems in physics and chemistry that are currently beyond the reach of the most powerful supercomputers. Specifically, he focuses on the computational challenges associated with simulating chemical reactions at the atomic level, particularly those involved in ultrafast photochemistry.
Understanding these reactions is crucial for designing new molecules with applications in fields like the discovery of photoactive drugs and sunscreens, which are essential for skin cancer prevention and treatment.
This research could demonstrate the potential of quantum computing in addressing complex chemical problems, benefiting the pharmaceutical, chemical, and energy industries.
Dr Gardner’s research aims to enhance adolescent health and wellbeing by developing digital interventions with high school students, teachers and multidisciplinary experts, evaluating intervention efficacy and effectiveness, and rapidly disseminating the programs to the public.
Most recently, this includes leading the OurFutures Vaping Study. This is the first randomised controlled trial of a school-based vaping prevention program in Australia, including 40 schools and more than 5000 students across NSW, Queensland and Western Australia.
The annual NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Awards are hosted by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS).
