New fellows for health and medical sciences academy

The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences has announced 116 new fellows from institutions all around Australia, representing a range of disciplines in health and medical research. The academy was established in June 2014 with 15 initial fellows and council members, but was formally launched on 25 March by Minister for Health Sussan Ley.

The academy aims to be an important part of the health and medical scientific and policy landscape of Australia. It will serve three broad purposes outlined as high priorities in the recent McKeon report on health and medical research:

1. Mentoring the next generation of clinician researchers.
2. Providing independent advice to government and others on issues relating to evidence-based medical practice and medical research.
3. Providing a forum for discussion on progress of medical research with an emphasis on translation of research into practice.

QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute added six scientists to the academy, with director, CEO and new fellow Professor Frank Gannon saying election to the fellowship is an honour.

“Those considered for election have to demonstrate distinguished achievement in health or medicine,” Professor Gannon said.

“They must also meet criteria including recognition by their national and international peers for excellence in medical health and science.”

Fellows elected from the Centenary Institute have been well recognised for their achievements, with Professors Mathew Vadas (the institute’s executive director), Warwick Britton and John Rasko all Officers of the Order of Australia. Professor Vadas said the researchers bring to the academy “a vision of working towards a thriving and sustainable medical research landscape in Australia”.

Representatives from the University of Sydney feature prominently in the new academy, with 19 researchers from the university and its affiliated institutes being appointed as new fellows. Professors Louise Baur and Anushka Patel were meanwhile honoured as council members.

“I applaud our researchers at the University of Sydney and affiliated institutes for being recognised in such a prestigious manner,” said University of Sydney Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Jill Trewhella. “Their nomination to the academy reflects their capacity for senior leadership and strong advocacy for health and medical science.”

The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) is also strongly represented, with a variety of fellowships from across its 45 member organisations. Among the fellows elected were AAMRI President Professor Doug Hilton and past president Professor Brendan Crabb.

Professor Hilton said the academy will “help enhance policy reform to better connect advances in health and medical research with the delivery of improved health care”. He also congratulated his fellow appointees, stating, “The breadth and depth of the research fields represented shows just how much talent there is in this country working to save and improve the lives of all Australians, and people around the world.”

For the full list of appointees, visit the AAMRI website.

Pictured: Professors John Rasko, Warwick Britton and Mathew Vadas from the Centenary Institute.