World-renowned physiotherapist and La Trobe University Professor, Kay Crossley, has been awarded Victoria's highest scientific honour, today receiving the 2020 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation in the Life Sciences category.
Professor Crossley received the prestigious $50,000 prize for her outstanding contributions in advancing research focused on young people with early-onset osteoarthritis, as well as her success in demonstrating the effectiveness of exercise in managing hip and knee pain.
Her research has led to optimised identification, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions and could prevent patients from spending millions of dollars on unnecessary and risky procedures.
Professor Crossley, whose 35-year career began as a sports physiotherapist at the Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre, said she felt proud and excited that her work had been acknowledged with the Victoria Prize.
"I am committed to reducing the burden of hip and knee injuries, pain and osteoarthritis in younger and older Victorians, and to training and mentoring the next generation of researchers," Professor Crossley said.
"There is no higher honour for scientists in Victoria and I am humbled to join the list of wonderful Victoria Prize recipients. I hope to use this award to promote women scientists in Victoria and support them to achieve their potential."
