Professor Kelly Allott and Professor Eóin Killackey at the IEPA conference in Berlin
Global experts and lived experience leaders recently converged in Berlin at the 15th International Conference on Early Intervention and Prevention in Mental Health, where Orygen's Professor Kelly Allott was recognised for her exceptional contributions to mentorship within the scientific community.
The conference, convened by the International Early Psychosis Association (IEPA), brought together international scientists, clinicians and lived experience experts to learn about the latest advancements in the early intervention field, and share best practices from around the world.
A highlight of the event was Professor Allott's recognition with the Larry Seidman Award for outstanding mentorship, an award which celebrates “exceptional achievement in mentorship and advocacy on behalf of researchers and/or clinicians at an early career stage”.
In nominating Professor Allott for the award, Dr Alex Stainton and Professor Stephen Wood described her as a passionate advocate for equity in academia, and as someone who “not only exemplifies what it means to be a successful woman in academic leadership but also invests time and energy into helping other women rise through detailed guidance, encouragement, and the cultivation of leadership potential”.
As well as her dedication to mentorship and building others up, Professor Allott was recognised for her commitment to the contributions of lived experience experts, and her inclusive approach to supporting others to grow and succeed.
Chief of Research and Knowledge Translation at Orygen, Professor Eóin Killackey, congratulated Professor Allott on the award, and commended her dedication to her staff, students and mentees.
“Kelly has made and continues to make an enormous contribution to Orygen and to the field of youth mental health more broadly,” Professor Killackey said.
“Both in her formal roles as a supervisor and researcher leader, and as an informal mentor to early- and mid- career researchers far beyond her own team and institution, Kelly exemplifies the world-class mentorship the Larry Seidman Award was created to recognise.
“I am delighted that with this award we are acknowledging a person who embodies these values and behaviours, someone who makes everyone – but especially researchers early in their careers – feel seen, important, included and encouraged.
“It has been inspiring to see the momentum generated at this year's IEPA conference, and to be part of this dynamic community of practice dedicated to early intervention, which continues to grow around the globe.”
Meanwhile, Orygen research also took centre stage in Montpellier for the Franco-Australian meeting, where French and Australian experts came together for a day dedicated to early intervention and collaboration across international borders.
Frédéric Rimattei, Director General of Nîmes University Hospital, said the event offered a valuable opportunity to continue learning from the Australian experience, share French advancements and together imagine better models of care for young people.
“For early intervention not only improves medical prognosis, but also preserves life paths, social connections, and the future of the young people we support,” Rimattei said.