Sydney academics elected as fellows to the Australian Academy

The AAHMS annually elects fellows in recognition of their pursuit of excellence in the medical and health science sector in Australia, with acknowledgement of achievements in industry and research, leadership and mentorship, and in raising public understanding within the broader community.

The 2024 cohort is comprised of 31 fellows around Australia, who have been elected by their peers for their significant contributions to the medical and health science field.

“Our new Fellows have a truly exceptional body of work, with each of them considered international leaders in their respective fields,” said the Academy President Professor Louise Baur.

“Our Fellowship represents the breadth and diversity of Australia’s health and medical expertise, allowing us to draw on independent, expert and evidence-based advice to drive change and improve health for all.”

Professor Robyn Ward AM, Executive Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Medicine and Health said: "I am delighted to see the election of Professor Hayes and Professor Weiss to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. This honour reflects not only their individual achievements, leadership and commitment, but also the tremendous impact of their research on advancing health outcomes in Australia and beyond.”

Professor Marcel Dinger, Dean, Faculty of Science said: “It is no surprise to those that know him that Professor Tony Weiss has been elected by his peers as a Fellow of the Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. Tony’s contribution to foundational medical science and commercialisation of biomedical materials is second to none.

 “All of us in the Faculty of Science congratulate him on this well-deserved accolade.”

Professor Vanessa Hayes is the Petre Chair of Prostate Cancer Research in the Faculty of Medicine and Health's School of Medical Sciences.

She heads the Ancestry & Health Genomics Laboratory located within the Charles Perkins Centre. The lab’s focus is on investigating the complexities of the human and cancer genome and how genomic variation has shaped human evolution and health.

On being elected as an AAHMS fellow, she said: "I am truly grateful to be elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts of my research team and our shared mission to unlock the mysteries of the human genome and its role in health, especially in reducing the global burden of prostate cancer. I look forward to continuing our work and contributing to the future of medical science.

Professor Tony Weiss is Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology in the Faculty of Science, an NHMRC Leadership Fellow, and the McCaughey Chair in Biochemistry.

He is a world leader in molecular studies of human tropoelastin and its assembly to make three-dimensional elastin protein biomaterials. His many patents drove Elastagen’s recent commercial success in one of Australia’s largest healthcare transactions.

He has been awarded several prestigious innovation awards including the Prime Minister’s Prize, NSW Premier’s Prize, Order of Australia, Eureka Prize, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering’s Clunies Ross Award, and Australian Academy of Science’s Ian Wark Medal.

Professor Weiss leads Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine in the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney.

On his election as an AAHMS Fellow, Professor Weiss said: “I am thrilled and deeply honoured to be elected to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. Becoming a Fellow isn’t simply about personal recognition – it’s about stepping up to make a positive difference.”

“I want to acknowledge and thank the many amazing, smart scientists in my lab who are passionate about working towards improving health and medical sciences every day.”