Melbourne/New Delhi, Jan 22 Indian-origin researcher of Alzheimer's disease, Ralph Martins, has been named Australian of the Year 2010 by the government of Western Australia. Born to parents who were from India, Martins, a professor, moved to Perth at 16 years of age. He will join recipients from other Australian states and territories as finalists for the national awards to be announced on January 25 in Canberra.

Peter Varghese, Australian high commissioner to India, said: "The award signals Professor Martins' contributions to research on Alzheimer's disease. It is a recognition of the contribution by Professor Martins to medical science.

“I am particularly delighted that Professor Martins has been honoured. His Indian background speaks of the contributions of the diaspora in Australia and stands testament to the multicultural nature of Australian society.”

Martins shares Australia's breakthrough research on Alzheimer's disease with specialists in India.

Currently Martins is collaborating with Jacob Roy, who is president and founder of the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) that is involved in running clinics and research centres in India.