QIMR Berghofer is proud to congratulate Dr Luis García-Marín, Research Officer in the Institute’s Computational Neurogenomics Laboratory, on being named the winner of the 2025 Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) Rising Star Award.
Dr García-Marín shared “I’m deeply honoured to receive this award, I’m grateful to AAMRI, QIMR Berghofer, and my mentor Associate Professor Miguel Rentería for their outstanding support and guidance. This recognition reflects the collaborative spirit that drives our research to better understand the brain and improve mental health”.
The award recognises early-career researchers who demonstrate exceptional creativity, drive, and impact in health and medical research. Dr García-Marín led the world’s largest study combining brain scans and genetic data during his PhD, a project that was featured on the cover of Nature Genetics in 2024. The study analysed data from 75,000 people across 19 countries, uncovering genetic factors that influence brain structure and increase the risk of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and ADHD.
By revealing these genetic links, his research is helping pave the way for earlier detection, improved prevention, and more personalised treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
“We are incredibly proud of Luis and his remarkable achievement. Being named AAMRI’s Rising Star is a testament to his creativity, determination, and the global impact of his work. At QIMR Berghofer, we are committed to fostering innovation that transforms lives, and Luis exemplifies that mission.” Professor Fabienne Mackay, QIMR Berghofer Director and CEO.
AAMRI CEO, Dr Saraid Billiards, also congratulated Dr García-Marín on his achievement. “Luis exemplifies the qualities we celebrate through the Rising Star Award — scientific excellence, global collaboration, and a commitment to real-world impact. His research helps us understand the genetic blueprint of the brain,
opening new doors for prevention and care.”
Dr García Marín accepted the award at the AAMRI Convention Dinner at Parliament House in Canberra on 4 November.
QIMR Berghofer also congratulates the shortlisted finalists: Dr Aaminah Khan, Dr Joshua Osowicki, and Dr Yumi Sheehan, who are tackling major challenges in childhood brain cancer, infectious diseases, and hepatitis C elimination.