La Trobe University researcher Dr Shanmuga Sundar Dhanabalan has been named a 2026 Victorian Young Tall Poppy by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) for advancing healthcare access through the development of smart, wearable health devices.
The Young Tally Poppy Science Awards celebrate outstanding early and mid-career researchers who combine excellence in scientific research with a passion for public engagement and scientific literacy.
One of only 11 Victorian scientists recognised in this year’s awards, Dr Dhanabalan is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (SCEMS) and Deputy Director of La Trobe’s Centre for Technology Infusion.
Dr Dhanabalan also leads La Trobe’s Soft Electronics, Materials and Sensors research group, which develops affordable health technologies, including wearable devices and smart mattresses for aged care and fall prevention. These technologies are designed to improve access to healthcare, particularly for people living in rural and remote communities.
The research group is also developing simple, portable health tests and smart menstrual pads that could help detect conditions such as anaemia, diabetes and endometriosis earlier from the comfort of their own homes.
Dean of SCEMS Professor Wenny Rahayu congratulated Dr Dhanabalan on the recognition.
“Sundar exemplifies everything the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards celebrate and is a highly deserving recipient of this recognition,” Professor Rahayu said.
“His work is improving healthcare access for communities that often face barriers to care, and he is deeply committed to ensuring research translates into practical benefits for the people it is designed to help.”
Alongside his research, Dr Dhanabalan works directly with older adults, carers, healthcare providers, students, educators and policymakers to improve understanding and adoption of emerging health technologies.
His outreach activities include National Science Week events, community forums, engagement with Indigenous communities and collaborations that promote science and health innovation in Australia and internationally.
Dr Dhanabalan said he was honoured to be recognised as a Victorian Young Tall Poppy and thanked AIPS for his award.
“I have always believed that research should create real impact by improving lives beyond the laboratory,” Dr Dhanabalan, Australian Research Council Industry Fellow said.
“For me, the greatest reward is seeing engineering move into people’s homes, where it can detect health problems early and help make healthcare more proactive, affordable and accessible.”
Dr Dhanabalan joins Distinguished Professors Aniruddha Desai and Brian Abbey as Victorian Young Tall Poppy award recipients from La Trobe’s School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.
