This year marks 10 years since the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences was formed. Celebrate with us as we reflect on a decade of advancing research and innovation to improve everyone’s health. This article is the first in a series that highlights 10 of the Academy’s major achievements since it was formed in 2014.

When molecular biologist and virologist Professor Jian Zhou died at just 42, he had already had an impact on human health that would help save hundreds of thousands of lives.

Dr Zhou, working alongside his wife Dr Xiao Yi Sun, and the Academy’s inaugural president Professor Ian Frazer, developed and patented the technology underpinning the Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines.

The vaccines protect against viruses that cause cervical cancer, the fourth most common type of cancer in women.

It was a significant achievement which has had a lasting global legacy and demonstrates the way innovative science can improve health.

When molecular biologist and virologist Professor Jian Zhou died at just 42, he had already had an impact on human health that would help save hundreds of thousands of lives.

Professor Zhou, working alongside his wife Dr Xiao Yi Sun, and the Academy’s inaugural president Professor Ian Frazer, developed and patented the technology underpinning the Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines.

The vaccines protect against viruses that cause cervical cancer, the fourth most common type of cancer in women.

It was a significant achievement which has had a lasting global legacy and demonstrates the way innovative science can improve health.