Queen's Birthday Honours 2012

Professor Robert Hill from the University of Sydney's US Studies Centre received Australia's highest honour.

University of Sydney academics and researchers have been recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours for their contribution to politics, medical research and education, with one academic receiving Australia's highest honour the Companion of the Order of Australia.

Recipients were acknowledged for their work in fields as diverse as sustainability, neurology, cancer medicine and higher education.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Michael Spence extended his congratulations to the staff and community members who received honours this year.

"I warmly congratulate all those members of the University community who have been awarded Queen's Birthday Honours, and thank them for the outstanding contribution they have made in such a broad range of fields," said Dr Spence.

"These awards reflect the strength and breadth of teaching and research at the University, and we are delighted that the members of our community have received such prestigious public recognition."

This year's Queen's Birthday Honours include:

Companion (AC) in the General Division Order of Australia

• Professor Robert Hill, Adjunct Professor in Sustainability at the US Studies Centre, for his service to parliament and his reform work in the defence and environment portfolios.

Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia

• Dr Michael Halmagyi, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Central Clinical School, for distinguished service to neurology as a clinician and educator, and through contributions to research into the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system.
• Professor John Edward Rasko, Professor of Medicine, Central Clinical School Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine & Cell Biology 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 Mathew Alexander Vadas, Executive Director, Centenary Institute for distinguished service to medical and biotechnological research, particularly in the area of human immunology, to higher education, and through contributions to professional organisations.

Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia

• Professor Michael John Field, Emeritus Professor Renal Medicine and Physiology for service to medical education as an academic and teacher, particularly in the field of nephrology, as a clinician, and through contributions to a range of professional organisations.
• Professor Bruce Gregory Robinson, Dean Sydney Medical School 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.
• Associate Professor Jonathon Raymond Stretch, Professor of Surgery, Central Clinical School for service to medicine and to the community as a plastic surgeon and oncologist and through Melanoma Institute Australia.
• Associate Professor Gerard Willems, Associate Professor of Music, Sydney Conservatorium of Music for service to the arts as a concert pianist, music educator and mentor to young musicians.

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Media enquiries: Victoria Hollick, 02 9351 2579, 0401 711 361, victoria.hollick@sydney.edu.au