King of Jordan honours University of Sydney biomedical pioneer
His Majesty King Abdullah II presenting Professor Zreiqat with the Order for Distinction of the Second Degree.
Professor Zreiqat was one of a number of distinguished Jordanian men and women from various sectors bestowed medals at an official celebration at Al Husseiniya Palace last week to mark the occasion of Jordan’s 72nd Independence Day.
The ceremony was attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, as well as a number of royal family members and senior officials.
A Royal Court statement highlighted Professor Zreiqat’s “six patents in her field” and that she has “developed innovative biomaterials for tissue regeneration, among other innovations”.
Professor Zreiqat, who grew up, studied and worked in Jordan before moving to Sydney to undertake a PhD in Medical Sciences, said: “It is a great honour to be recognised for my work, but it is an even greater honour to be recognised in my home country.”
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principle Dr Michael Spence congratulated Professor Zreiqat saying, “I am delighted to see Professor Zreiqat’s accomplishments acknowledged in this way, and on behalf of the University of Sydney I extend our warm congratulations to her on this special achievement.”
Professor Zreiqat (front row, second from right) with the other distinguished people bestowed medals by His Majesty King Abdullah II (centre) at an official celebration at Al Husseiniya Palace.
Professor Zreiqat is recognised internationally for her revolutionary biomaterials and tissue engineering research, as well as her dedication to improving opportunities for women around the world.
The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies academic was awarded the NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year earlier this year, and was the first person in NSW to receive a prestigious Radcliffe Fellowship from Harvard University.
Professor Zreiqat will be the Director of the new Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering, launched later this month, and is also a member of the University of Sydney Nano Institute.
