Leading paediatric prize for patron
Inaugural Chair and Patron of UniSA’s Hawke Centre and former
UniSA Chancellor,
Dr Basil Hetzel, has been awarded international honours for his
paediatric work.
Dr Hetzel (pictured), is the 2009 recipient of the Pollin Prize for outstanding achievement in paediatric research, the only international award for paediatrics. Dr Hetzel received the award personally in New York last month.
The Hawke Centre Patron was recognised for his pioneering work in Papua New Guinea from 1964-1972 that led to understanding of the effects of iodine deficiency on brain development and the importance of incorporating iodized salt in the diet to prevent brain damage in newborns.
He played a key role in establishing and then leading the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) which has since grown into a multidisciplinary global network of 700 professionals from more than 100 countries.
Dr Hetzel’s work has prevented brain damage in millions of children worldwide.
The prestigious Pollin Prize was established in 2002 by US philanthropists Abe and Irene Pollin and is funded by the Linda and Kenneth Pollin Foundation. It is administered by the New York Presbyterian Medical Centre.