An extraordinary contribution to regenerative medicine and orthopaedic research in NSW and an unwavering commitment to improving opportunities for women around the world has won Professor Hala Zreiqat the top accolade at the 2018 NSW Women of the Year awards.
Dr Hala Zreiqat grew up, studied and worked in Jordan before moving to Sydney to undertake a PhD in Medical Sciences – a decision that transformed her life. Today she is recognised internationally for her extraordinary contributions to regenerative medicine and translational orthopaedic research.
Hala is Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Sydney, where she founded the Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Research Unit in 2006. Pioneering the invention of new biomaterials and biomedical devices, the unit’s work is giving NSW a place at the table in the highly competitive global orthopaedic market.
Described as a trailblazer in championing opportunities for women, Hala was the first female president of the Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society. A Senior Research Fellow of the National Health and Medical Research Council for the last 10 years, she was also the first person in NSW to receive a prestigious Radcliffe Fellowship from Harvard University. While at Harvard, Hala founded an international network dedicated to improving opportunities for women around the world.
Hala is also recognised for her work in developing the younger generation and is an avid supporter of upcoming Australian researchers; having mentored many postdoctoral researchers and supervised almost 70 PhD, Masters and Honours students. While at Harvard, Hala founded a new international network called IDEAL Society, dedicated to improving opportunities and recognition for women around the world.
