Mark Cook has demonstrated a sustained contribution and leadership in medical research over a 25-year period. He is highly regarded internationally for his research excellence in neurology, and in the field of epilepsy in particular. He has made significant contributions to health science through his research, clinical, administrative, and educational roles at both St. Vincents Hospital and University of Melbourne. Cook actively engages in community awareness and advocacy regarding epilepsy, as Chairman of the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria, a major community not-for-profit organisation, and participates regularly in public discussion of medical research via the media and public forums.