Learned Academies and Leukaemia Foundation join forces to accelerate blood cancer research


Blood cancers are among the most common cancers in Australia, responsible for almost 6,000 cancer-related deaths annually. The Leukaemia Foundation is hoping that by 2035 no Australian will lose their life to blood cancer. Accelerating blood cancer research is one of four major priorities outlined in the National Strategic Action Plan for Blood Cancer. This plan serves […]
We’re hiring: Communication and Events Officer


We are seeking a motivated and talented Communication and Events Officer to join our small, dynamic team. Summary: Job type: 0.8-1.0 FTE (negotiable with the successful candidate based on their skills, experience and preferences); permanent contract Location: Sydney (Camperdown) or Brisbane (Woolloongabba) – we have offices in both locations Reports to: Head of Communication […]
AAHMS Fellow elected to ATSE


Indigenous health leader and Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Fellow Professor Sandra Eades AO has been elected as an Honorary Fellow to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). Professor Eades’ outstanding contributions to public health and science have seen her named a Fellow of three Learned Academies: AAHMS, the Academy […]
AAHMS welcomes 27 new Fellows


An ophthalmologist-scientist, academic psychiatrist and a paediatric anaesthetist are among the 27 new Fellows elected to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. The Academy will welcome its new Fellows in a ceremony in Brisbane tonight (12 October), where they will be announced by the Academy’s Interim President Professor Ingrid Scheffer AO FRS FAA […]
Experts propose a path to improve Australia’s mental health


Australia needs bold, future focused action to change the trajectory of our mental health outcomes, and experts have proposed a three-pronged approach to improve our mental health system. The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences today released a report from a specialist roundtable, chaired by mental health expert and Academy Fellow Professor Maree Teesson […]
Scientist dedicated to reducing harm wins national award


A scientist dedicated to reducing harm in health care has won the 2023 Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Outstanding Female Researcher Medal. Professor Rachelle Buchbinder AO is a world-renowned rheumatologist and clinical epidemiologist who revolutionised the way the public and health practitioners treat and manage back pain. She is also a Fellow of […]
Celebrating supporting 100 rising research leaders


The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences has welcomed its 100th mentee, with 15 rising health and medical research stars joining the Academy’s mentorship program this month (September). The AAHMS mentorship program was launched shortly after the Academy’s inception in 2015, with a goal of nurturing future leaders and supporting them in their careers. […]
AAHMS welcomes COVID-19 inquiry


The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences welcomes the Federal Government’s independent inquiry into Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This timely inquiry should be future and solutions focused. It should identify lessons learned and present a path forward to ensure Australia is prepared for the next pandemic. COVID-19 has had a profound impact […]
Submission to Australian Universities Accord Interim Report consultation


The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences strongly supports the Government’s commitment to reform Australia’s higher education system through an Australian Universities Accord and we welcome the opportunity to provide input in response to the Accord Panel’s Interim Report. AAHMS broadly supports the vision of the Interim Report and its five immediate priority actions. […]
A treatment for every child: Professor David Ziegler


“Children are not little adults, their cancers are different” Sydney’s Professor David Ziegler plans to be able to improve treatment for every child with cancer. He’s working in the clinic to trial treatments for the fatal brain stem tumour DIPG, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. And he’s driving the development of the national Zero Childhood Cancer […]
First responders in our skin and gut revealed: Prof Laura Mackay


Offering new ways to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases A decade ago, University of Melbourne’s Professor Laura Mackay discovered the “first responders” of our immune system, a unique population of T cells based in our skin, gut and other barrier tissues. Now she’s working to super-charge their protective power to clear infections and fight cancer, and […]
Join our team: Programs and Events Manager


We are seeking a motivated and professional Programs and Events Manager to join our small, dynamic team. Job type: Full time or 0.8 FTE, permanent Location: Sydney (Camperdown) or Brisbane (Woolloongabba) – we have offices in both locations Reports to: Chief Executive Salary: $90,000 – $105,000 per annum commensurate with skills/experience, plus superannuation Plus superannuation […]
AAHMS calls for big picture strategy to improve health research and innovation


The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences has called for the Government to look at the big picture when considering the future of health and medical research funding. The Academy is advocating for a bold strategic vision to ensure investments deliver benefits for health, society and the economy. The Academy’s submission to the Government’s […]
Preventive health in the limelight at the Health Horizons Forum


How can Australia make better progress in improving health through prevention? This question will be at the forefront of a roundtable discussion bringing together some of the nation’s top cross-sector experts and policy makers in Sydney this month. The Academy is hosting the Advancing prevention in Australia roundtable on 26 July in partnership with Saltire […]
Event highlights: Life as a Clinician-Scientist NSW 2023


From physiotherapy to paediatrics, obstetrics to immunology, clinician-scientists come from all different disciplines and professional backgrounds. Earlier this year, some of New South Wales’ top clinician researchers shared their wisdom at the first Life as a Clinician-Scientist symposium for 2023. Recordings from this event are now available in our video library, with highlights from speaker […]
Twelve Fellows honoured


Twelve Fellows from the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences have been honoured for their significant service to the community. Fellows were recognised not only for their outstanding contributions to the health and medical sciences, but also for their work as mentors, advocates and community leaders. The Academy warmly congratulations them on this well-deserved […]
June 2023 newsletter



Welcome to the June 2023 newsletter. In this edition: A message from our President CEO update NHMRC consultation AAHMS Fellows elected to AAS Sector news and opportunities Congratulations Fellows in the news A message from our President Since October last year, I have been honoured to lead this organisation as President; I have been proud to […]
Academy welcomes NHMRC consultation


The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences has welcomed the announcement of a national consultation to improve alignment and coordination between the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA). AAHMS CEO Catherine Luckin said the Academy had been calling for greater strategic harmonisation between funders, particularly the National Health and Medical Research […]
Four new Fellows for Australian Academy of Science


Four AAHMS Fellows have been inducted into the Australian Academy of Science (AAS), in recognition of their significant scientific contributions. The Academy warmly congratulates them on this outstanding achievement. The new joint Fellows, and their citations on election, are: Mariapia Degli-Esposti is an immunologist whose work has provided seminal insights into the immune system’s response […]
May 2023 newsletter



Welcome to the May 2023 newsletter. In this edition: A message from our President Long COVID parliamentary report Sector news and opportunities Congratulations Fellows in the news A message from our President This year, Australia will vote on a proposed law to alter the Constitution to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to […]