UQ researchers honoured by Australian Academy of Science

Three researchers from The University of Queensland have been recognised in the Australian Academy of Science 2024 honorific awards.

The prestigious awards highlight the significant contributions of Emeritus Professor Peter Koopman, Dr Sonia Shah and Associate Professor Kirsty Short in advancing understanding of complex conditions and improving health policy.

Emeritus Professor Koopman was awarded the Suzanne Cory Medal in recognition of his outstanding career in molecular genetics which has strengthened understanding of embryonic development, sex development, fertility, gonadal cancers, and intersex conditions.

Emeritus Professor Koopman was part of the research team that discovered the Y-chromosomal sex-determining gene, which is regarded as one of the major achievements in molecular genetics in the 20^th century.

Dr Shah received the Ruth Stephens Gani Medal for her research to understand how DNA increases a person’s risk of heart disease, which has helped to improve prevention and treatment pathways.

Dr Shah’s research has a focus on improving disease prevention in women and genetically diverse groups who currently remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Associate Professor Short was awarded the Gottschalk Medal for her significant contributions to public health policy and pandemic preparedness.

Regarded as one of Australia’s leading experts in respiratory viral infections such as COVID-19 and influenza, Dr Short’s research improved understanding of the connection between chronic disease such as obesity and diabetes and severe viral infection.

Read more about the awardees or nominate for the Australian Academy of Science’s 2025 honorific awards.

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