September 2023 newsletter

A message from our President

There are only a few short weeks until we gather in Brisbane for the centrepiece of the Academy’s calendar, the Academy’s Annual Meeting, held on 12-13 October 2023. It is always a great pleasure to meet in person, one that we no longer take for granted after the COVID-19 restrictions. The Annual Meeting is an opportunity for us to celebrate our award winners, welcome new Fellows, and most importantly, learn from one another as we exchange ideas, novel concepts and information. The meeting is open to all, and I do hope to see you there.

This year, the meeting will focus on Driving health equity, a topic that I know is of keen interest to many, and is an important priority for the Academy. Human rights and social justice advocate Professor Tom Calma AO FAA FASSA (Chancellor, University of Canberra) is one of our keynote speakers, and his presentation will be followed by a panel discussion on accelerating health equity among First Nations communities – a timely topic given the upcoming Voice referendum.

Our other keynote will feature Professor Fran Baum AO FAHMS (Professor of Health Equity, University of Adelaide Stretton Institute) in conversation with Professor Sir Michael Marmot (Professor of Epidemiology, University College London; Director, UCL Institute of Health Equity; Past President of the World Medical Association), and I look forward to hearing their insights.

Another highlight will be our presentations from new Fellows, showing the diversity and breadth of expertise of our newest members. I hope to see you there. Purchase your tickets now via the website, or contact [email protected] for more information.

In other news, later this month the Academy will host a roundtable to inform the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) consultation to build and support growth of Australia’s RNA sector. This roundtable aligns with our goals to advance research and innovation in Australia to improve everyone’s health. DISR has consulted stakeholders around the country and has asked AAHMS to convene this roundtable with a particular focus on RNA capacity and capability in human health and the health system. Thank you to the Fellows and Associate Members taking part in these discussions, your valuable expertise is greatly appreciated.

Finally, I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to this year’s Jian Zhou Medallists: Professor David Ziegler and Professor Laura Mackay FAHMS. The medal, awarded annually, recognises individuals who are making a significant impact in translational medical science. I encourage you to learn more about these two outstanding scientists by visiting our website, and I look forward to celebrating them with you at our Gala Dinner.

With very best wishes,

Ingrid

Professor Ingrid Scheffer AO FRS FAA

Interim President

ACOLA’S statement on the Voice to Parliament

The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA), of which AAHMS is a member, has released a statement supporting the referendum to give the Government the legislative ability to establish a constitutionally enshrined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. The Academy released its own statement earlier in the year – you can find it on our website. The Lowitja Institute has also released a position statement on the Voice, which you can find on their website.