Senior QIMR Berghofer researcher and coordinator of the Institute’s Mental Health Program, Professor Sarah Medland, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in today’s Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List.
Professor Medland, who heads QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute’s Psychiatric Genetics group, has been recognised for her services to the field of genetics.
Professor Medland said she was honoured to receive the award.
“I’m very humbled to accept an OAM,” Professor Medland said.
“This honour emphasises the importance of basic science research in genetics, which provides an essential foundation for translational and clinical science.
“I thank all those who have given their time to participate in our research studies and the amazing colleagues I’ve had the opportunity to work with.
“I feel it’s also an important recognition of the vital roles medical research and collaborative science play in society. This is particularly important at this moment in history as the world tries to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
QIMR Berghofer Director and CEO Fabienne Mackay said Professor Medland was a worthy recipient.
“Sarah has been a leading mind in the genetics of mental health and we’re proud of her commitment to helping find answers to diseases and conditions that affect so many millions of people around the world,” Professor Mackay said.
“Sarah has contributed to the understanding of how genetic variants influence brain structure and to identifying new risk factors across a wide range of mental health conditions, which is a critical first step in finding targets for drug development.”
Professor Medland will be presented with the insignia of the Medal of the Order of Australia at an investiture ceremony later this year.
