HRI’s Dr Lining (Arnold) Ju, has been recognised for his research excellence and public outreach in the Australian Institute of Policy and Science's Young Tall Poppy Science Awards for his research into heart disease.
Dr Ju is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Thrombosis Group at the Heart Research Institute and lecturer at The University of Sydney’s School of Biomedical Engineering.
Dr Ju is researching the mechanical forces in molecules and cells that drive blood flow – also known as mechanobiology – to ultimately look for solutions to better diagnose, treat and control heart disease. In innovative work, he applied engineering principles to understand the cardiovascular system at the molecular and cellular scales by inventing a new biomechanical nanotool. This invention has allowed him to understand blood flow and led to his discovery that disturbed blood flow in a person’s veins and arteries generate mechanical forces that can rapidly create blood clotting. This is important as blood clotting can result in medical events such as heart attack. His discovery of these mechanosensory proteins means he can efficiently prevent disease-forming clots.
Over the forthcoming year, Dr Ju will have the opportunity to speak about his research and engage in outreach activities to promote interest in science in school students, teachers, and the broader community.
There are 12 NSW winners for the award, and all will be celebrated in an online awards ceremony on 22 September 2020.