The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) extends its congratulations to Hunter researcher and HMRI co-founder Professor Roger Smith, today awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) extends its congratulations to Hunter researcher and HMRI co-founder Professor Roger Smith, today awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Professor Smith AM is an internationally recognised leader in research into human pregnancy, and currently leads many significant research groups across the University of Newcastle and HMRI*.

HMRI Director Professor Michael Nilsson said that the award was recognition for his exceptional research career, as well as his foresight and leadership in establishing a nationally and internationally-competitive research environment in the Hunter.

“Professor Smith is one of the founding fathers of what we know today as HMRI. His passion for the establishment of a central and prominent group to support health and medical research led to the incorporation of the Hunter Medical Research Cooperative Limited in 1990, which eventually transformed into the world-leading Hunter Medical Research Institute,” Professor Nilsson said.

“Professor Smith has provided outstanding research leadership in the Hunter and across the world with his internationally renowned research, which focuses on understanding the mechanisms and processes that control human birth.”

HMRI recognised this leadership in 2000, when Professor Smith was awarded the HMRI Award for Research Excellence. He also received an HMRI Exceptional Service Medal in 2010 for his ongoing contribution to the organisation.

“HMRI congratulates and thanks Professor Smith for his passion, his leadership and his vision, which provided the platform on which HMRI was built,” Professor Nilsson said.

“He joins a distinguished list of research leaders who have played a significant role in improving the health of the community, both in Australia and across the world.”

HMRI also congratulates:

• Local media identity Mike Rabbitt (OAM), who has supported HMRI tirelessly as well volunteering his time as MC for HMRI events;
• Terence Watson, who received an Ambulance Medal for his role in the development of the Rural PAST Protocol led by the HMRI Stroke Research Group; and
• Professor Sally Redman (AO), Director of the Sax Institute, who previously worked and researched at the University of Newcastle under Laureate Professor Rob Sanson-Fisher.

*Roger is Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Newcastle, Co-Director of the University of Newcastle Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, Director of the Mothers and Babies Research Centre and Leader of the HMRI Pregnancy and Reproduction Program. HMRI is a partnership between Hunter New England Health, the University of Newcastle and the community.