Honouring exceptional commitment and long-term contributions to NHMRC's mission and priorities.

The NHMRC Outstanding Contribution Award recognises outstanding long-term contributions, individual commitment and support to NHMRC.

Nominations for the award are by invitation only.

Nominees should be an inspirational role model and will have shown their outstanding contributions to NHMRC, advocation for health and medical research and leadership in the health and medical research community by demonstrating:

  • Involvement and engagement – demonstrate active participation and engagement in NHMRC activities such as contributions to committees, working groups, and other collaborative efforts that advance the mission and priorities of NHMRC
  • Advocacy - a strong and inspirational role model for health and medical research and supports systemic change within the research community
  • Innovation and impact – support forward-thinking initiatives and fosters improvements and the impact of their contribution to Australian health and medical research and its outcomes for health
  • Leadership and collaboration – demonstrate leadership, research collaboration, as well as influencing policy and public outreach.

Nominations will be considered by NHMRC’s CEO, who will select the awardee in consultation with the Chair of Council.

Past winners

  • 2025: Professor Emily Banks AM
  • 2023: Professor Doug Hilton AO
  • 2021: Professor Sharon Lewin AO
  • 2019: Professor Kathryn North AC
  • 2017: Professor Jane Hall
  • 2015: Professor Melissa Little
  • 2013: Professor Ron Trent
  • 2011: Mrs Elizabeth Grant AM
  • 2010: Professor David Weisbrot AM
  • 2007: Sr Regis Mary Dunne AO; Mr Peter Wills AC