Researchers recognised for scientific excellence

Bond researchers Associate Professor Rob Orr and Associate Professor Christian Moro have taken out gongs at the Queensland 2022 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards.

The pair were recognised for their scientific excellence and unique passion for science communication by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science at a gala function at the Griffith University Queensland College of Art in South Bank on Monday night.

Dr Orr was awarded for his work in injury prevention for service men and women, firefighters, police officers and first responders who put themselves in harm’s way in the line of duty.

“I am honoured to receive this award and through it the opportunity to highlight the importance of protecting the police officers, firefighters, first responders and military personnel who protect our communities and our nation,” Dr Orr said.

These tactical professionals often work in unforgiving, unpredictable, and harsh environments where failure to perform does not result in loss of championship points, but in injuries to themselves, their occupational partners, and members of the community.

“Just as important is helping Veterans to receive needed care," said Dr Orr.

“That is the ultimate focus of my research.”

Dr Orr served in the Australian Army for 23 years as an infantry soldier and Defence Force Physical Training Instructor, physiotherapist and Human Performance Officer and continues to serve in the Australian Army Reserve.

He is the director of the Tactical Research Unit at Bond University, an international collaboration exclusively dedicated to research, education, and consultancy for tactical populations. The unit provides training for military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue agencies around the world.

Dr Moro was recognised for his research into the physiology associated with bladder diseases.

He is the Science and Scholarship Domain Lead of the Bond University Medical Program and also lectures in Biomedical and Health Sciences. 

Dr Moro is searching for ways to isolate and identify alternative pharmacological targets for future treatments.

“Over 11% of people have an ‘overactive bladder’ which can result in painful, urgent desires to urinate, as well as impact sleep and the general quality of life,” he said.

“Most people who seek pharmaceutical treatments for this disorder cease their regimens due to lower-than-expected benefits or adverse side effects.

“However, some success has been found with the use of combination therapies, where several alternative receptors are concurrently targeted.”

Dr Moro is also active in educating the public on health physiology. He runs an Instagram and YouTube channel, ‘Physiology with Dr Christian’, and has created educational resources alongside the Ted-ED group, Cheddar News Channel, The Conversation and more.

Dr Moro was nominated by Professor Allan Stirling while Professor Rodney Pope put forward Dr Orr’s name.