Australia Day honours for medical researchers

Burnet Institute Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day 2015 Honours List for his contributions to medical research and global health.

Crabb is widely recognised for his significant contributions as a molecular biologist in malaria research. His research has included the development of a malaria vaccine and the identification of new treatments for this disease.

He is also well recognised in his leadership of Melbourne-based medical research and public health institution Burnet Institute, and for his work in promoting medical research through the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes, of which he is immediate past president.

Crabb’s dedication and passion for health issues of the developing world was influenced by growing up in Papua New Guinea, a poor country that has many health challenges not faced in the developed world.

Crabb described the award as an unexpected delight and tremendous honour.

“I accept it recognising that any achievement I have made has relied extensively on others; particularly on colleagues and family,” Crabb said.

“I also acknowledge that the award is as much about the issues I care about and the people I work for as it is about me. My focus is on the poorest, most marginalised and vulnerable people in our community and around the globe. Any award to me recognises them.”

Crabb also has a strong interest and longstanding involvement in education and is passionately committed to science and medical research advocacy.

Medical research received its fair share of honours this year with cardiovascular endocrinologist Professor John Funder and kidney transplant specialist Professor Jeremy Chapman also appointed Companions of the Order of Australia in acknowledgment of their services to medicine.

See the Australia Day 2015 Honours List for a complete list of recipients