Nobody Gets Here Alone

A colleague sent me this clip this week.

To be honest, my first reaction was discomfort rather than excitement.

Partly because I wasn’t expecting it, and partly because I come from a culture where achievements are often acknowledged quietly rather than broadcast widely. I’ve always been more comfortable getting on with the work than talking about it. But after sitting with it for a while, I realised the moment wasn’t really about me.

It was a reminder of how many people, organisations and opportunities contribute to a research career.

I remain deeply grateful to Prof. Aine McKillop, Prof. Peter Flatt and Prof. Finbarr O’Harte, who provided exceptional scientific training and mentorship during my early career and helped shape how I think as a researcher.

I am equally grateful to Prof. Emad El-Omar and my colleagues at the Microbiome Research Centre for the opportunities, support and encouragement to continue developing as a researcher and explore new questions.

I would also like to acknowledge Prof Georgina Hold and the SESLHD Research Directorate for the opportunity to contribute to research capacity building, translation and systems improvement within the health service.

I am thankful to the Sutherland and St George Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF) and other funding bodies that have invested in my work over the years. Research is built on ideas, but ideas only move forward when someone is willing to support them.

I would also like to thank Ash Ambihaipahar MP, Member for Barton, for her generous words and recognition in Parliament. It was unexpected and greatly appreciated.

Most importantly, research is never the work of one person. Every project is built on the contributions of participants, clinicians, researchers, administrators, students, mentors and collaborators, many of whom never receive public recognition. Perhaps that is why seeing this clip felt so unusual.

Not because it made me feel important, but because it reminded me that work which often feels invisible can sometimes travel further than we realise.

Looking back, I can see that none of us arrive where we are alone. Every researcher is shaped by the people who teach them, challenge them, encourage them, fund them, collaborate with them and open doors for them along the way.

For that, I am grateful.

A slightly uncomfortable post for someone who prefers to keep their head down and get on with the work. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.

Federal Hansard, House of Representatives, acknowledgement by Ash Ambihaipahar MP, Member for Barton.