Congratulations to Group 3 – ALS (Act, Lift, Support), led by Project Lead Aleena Akbar, who have been awarded the People's Choice Award for Best Video Communiqué in Change in Action 2025.
The QAHS community recognised ALS for their professionalism, creativity, and authenticity in communicating their precision health solution to this year's challenge:
How might we move from one-size-fits-all healthcare to ultra-personalised, precision health, especially for ageing Australians?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological condition that affects the motor neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement, often leading to gradual muscle weakness and loss of function. Recognising the importance of early detection, Group 3 – ALS proposed a mobile genetic screening and education program for adults aged 65 and over, designed to identify ALS-related genetic markers and provide personalised prevention and care pathways.
Their comprehensive approach combined three key components:
- Mobile Clinics – providing quick, non-invasive genetic testing in aged care and community settings;
- Personalised Digital Health Portal – delivering tailored health plans based on genetic and lifestyle factors; and
- Community Support – empowering seniors to make informed decisions and access the mental health support they require.
Going above and beyond the classroom, the team reached out to Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Queensland to gain first-hand insights into the lived experiences of those affected by ALS. Their interviews added authenticity and empathy to their work, showcasing the power of collaboration between science, technology, and community engagement.
Their efforts were further recognised when Group 3 – ALS reached the Grand Final (Top 3) of Change in Action 2025, presenting their proposal to a live professional audience at Griffith University during Term 3.
Congratulations to Year 10 students Aleena Akbar, Thenuli Balage, Kobi Finch, Epi Gandi, Warren In, Isabella Jackson, Phoebe Lynn, Akshan Nagarajan, Pal Patel, Eijaz Situmorang, Sam Tavazoei, and Amor van Staden, guided by GL Teacher Mrs Reed and Griffith University mentors Kyle Mulholland and Peiyueng 'PY' Lee, for their outstanding achievement and commitment to improving health outcomes through precision innovation.
Students and staff can view the winning video here, via your Department of Education account.
Dion Obst
HOD Global Connect