Four Australians associated with the Centenary Institute have been recognised in today’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
The Board of Governors of the Centenary Institute congratulates
- Professor Mathew Vadas AO, Executive Director, on becoming an Officer of the Order of Australia
- Professor John Rasko AO, Head of the Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, on becoming an Officer of the Order of Australia
- Professor Ian Frazer AC, a member of the Institute’s Scientific Advisory Board, who has been named a Companion of the Order of Australia
- Professor Bruce Robinson AM, member of the Institute’s Board of Governors, who has become a Member of the Order of Australia
Professor Vadas has carried out fundamental work on inflammation and skilfully guided the growth of the Institute. He is Executive Director of the Centenary Institute of Medical Research and has received his award for distinguished service to medical and biotechnological research, particularly in the area of human immunology, to higher education, and through contributions to professional organisations.
Professor Rasko is Head of the Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program at the Centenary Institute and Head of the Department of Cell & Molecular Therapies at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He received his honour for distinguished service to biomedical research in the field of gene and cell therapy, as a clinician, author and administrator, through executive roles with professional organisations, and to philanthropy.
Professor Frazer is the co-inventor of the cervical cancer vaccine and 2006 Australian of the Year. He is Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Research, Translational Research Institute. He received his award for eminent service to medical research, particularly through leadership roles in the discovery of the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine and its role in preventing cervical cancer, to higher education and as a supporter of charitable organisations.
Professor Robinson is Dean of the Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney. He received his award for service to medicine in the field of endocrinology as a clinician, researcher and university administrator, and through the establishment and leadership of the Hoc Mai Australian Vietnam Medical Foundation.
The Centenary Institute is an independent medical research institute affiliated with the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University of Sydney. Under Professor Vadas’ leadership, the Centenary Institute has doubled in size and intensified its research output chiefly in the areas of cancer, cardiovascular and infectious diseases.
Media Contacts:
Suzie Graham, s.graham@centenary.org.au
Niall Byrne, niall@scienceinpublic.com.au