‘Spirit’ award recognises outstanding support for researchers
The outstanding contribution of a member of the NDRI Business Support team has been recognised with a special award.
Administration Officer Patricia Garcia de Niklasson was presented with the Spirit of enAble Community Award at the 2025 enAble Institute awards evening.
The ‘Spirit’ award recognises a professional or academic staff member who is community-minded, contributes to the culture of the institute, and personifies commitment to collaboration and to making a difference. The National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) at Curtin University is part of the enAble Institute.
Patricia has been providing excellent professional support to NDRI researchers since joining the Institute in 2006.
“Patricia’s contribution far exceeds her formal administrative role,” the award nomination stated. “Patricia plays a pivotal role in supporting researchers through complex grant processes, from initial idea through to submission and compliance.
“Her ability to navigate and explain systems like RM, Sapphire, and institutional approval pathways is unmatched. She brings clarity, structure, and reassurance to what is often a highly pressured and confusing process, especially for early career researchers.
“Patricia consistently takes initiative, anticipates issues, and offers solutions with patience and precision. Her ability to humanise the process, provide practical help, and build trust across teams makes her an irreplaceable part of the NDRI ecosystem. Her contributions ripple beyond individual grants – they strengthen the entire research culture.
“She is more than an administrator. She is a mentor, sounding board, and behind-the-scenes strategist who enables research to happen.”
Click here to read more about the enAble awards
Posted on: 20 Nov 2025
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