Quick links
The Rita and John Cornforth Medal for Research Excellence
Excellence in research
This medal recognises outstanding achievement in research at the University that contributes to the overall advancement of our communities.
To be eligible for the 2025 Alumni Awards, nominees must meet the following selection criteria:
- Nominees must have completed their degree requirements or conferred/graduated in 2024 from the University of Sydney.
- Nominees must have achieved a minimum credit average (65-74 mark range) during their award course at the University (any qualifications with pass/fail criteria excepted).
- Nominees must demonstrate outstanding achievement in research at the University that contributes to the overall advancement of communities.
2024 winner
Juan Pablo Molina Ortiz
Master of Health Technology Innovation '19, Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering & IT) '23
Juan Pablo Molina Ortiz is a research scientist at the CSIRO. He undertook the majority of his PhD research in computational biology at the Charles Perkins Centre, using metabolic modelling to study complex biological systems.
His PhD relied on advanced models of the metabolic networks to study the nutritional interactions that arise between gut microbes. From there, he created a platform that samples the metabolic profile of hundreds of microbial strains under various nutritional environments computationally.
His work is considered to be truly interdisciplinary, combining medicine, biology and computational modelling, and will have lasting impacts on personalised medicine into the future.
While pursuing my Master of Health Technology Innovation, right after moving to Australia, I used to walk to campus every day, wondering if that would be the day when a big, transformative opportunity will show up. However, while there were certainly determinant moments along those days now, I know that they are the result of dedication and perseverance in everyday actions.
If I could give advice to my past self, I would emphasize the importance of understanding that meaningful progress results from long-term consistency rather than sudden breakthroughs. Often, there is a misconception that there will be a special moment on a specific day when everything falls into place, but in reality, it is the cumulative effect of daily efforts that leads to significant achievements.
I would tell my younger self to focus on building strong, sustainable habits and to be patient with the process. Celebrate small wins along the way and view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
One of the fondest memories of my time at the University of Sydney was working as a Peer Learning Advisor at The University of Sydney Library. I aspired to get a long-term job on campus before joining the Library, and the role turned out to be incredibly dynamic and rewarding.
Over the three years I worked there, I helped students navigate university life and find their way across the campus, while also designing and delivering technology workshops to both students and staff. I met a lot of remarkable people from various backgrounds, which enriched my understanding and appreciation of the university community.
This experience was particularly meaningful to me as an international student, often identifying strongly with the students I assisted. Just a couple of years prior, I had felt similarly confused, lost but also eager to learn and get the best out of what USYD has to offer. Helping others find their footing not only shaped their experiences but also emphasized the importance of empathetic connections, which deeply influenced my own journey.
Another standout moment was co-organising the High Degree by Research (HDR) Connect event in 2019. Leading the Digital Team to design the event website and manage digital communications was a high-stakes challenge, given the attendance of over 450 HDR students, alumni, academics, and industry professionals. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and the importance of interdisciplinary networks.
These roles allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the university community, shaping not only my own path but also the experiences of many others.
I have always admired great communicators, such as best-selling author and philanthropist John Green, who can engage, educate, and inspire diverse audiences. As an early career research scientist, my next big career aspiration is to keep growing as a proficient communicator, capable of effectively bridging the gap between the scientific community and society in general.
In an era where science and facts often struggle to find their footing amid misinformation and scepticism, it is crucial to communicate complex scientific ideas in a clear, accessible, and engaging manner. My goal is to leverage various platforms—such as public lectures, social media, and CSIRO’s Education and Outreach programs—to connect with a diverse range of stakeholders, from fellow scientists and industry professionals to policymakers and the general public.
By becoming a great communicator, I can facilitate more meaningful interactions and collaborations, ensuring that accurate information reaches those who need it most. This focus on communication is not just a personal goal but a necessary step for career progression and for addressing the broader challenges we face in today's world.
Often, there is a misconception that there will be a special moment on a specific day when everything falls into place, but in reality, it is the cumulative effect of daily efforts that leads to significant achievements.
Juan Pablo Molina Ortiz
About Rita and John Cornforth
Sir John Warcup ‘Kappa’ Cornforth AC CBE FRS (BSc ’38 MSc ’39 DSc ’77) and Lady Rita Cornforth (BSc ’37 MSc ’38) were among the most outstanding students of their respective years and had a profound influence on the study of penicillin during the war. John had been deaf since his teens, and Rita relayed speech to him by lip reading throughout their life together.
John won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (with Vladimir Prelog) in 1975 for his work on the stereochemistry of enzyme-catalysed reactions. John was knighted in 1977 and awarded the Corday Morgan Medal in 1953, the Royal Medal in 1976 and the Copley Medal in 1982.