Health and medical researchers and innovators recognised in Australia Day Honours

Congratulations to all those recognised in the Australia Day honours list for 2025. These national honours highlight the lifelong efforts the Australians have contributed to our community.

Three Western Australian recipients were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions in the fields of health and medical research and biomedical science.

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

Professor Graeme John Hankey – for his distinguished service to medicine as a neurologist and stroke physician, to research, and as an editor and author.

• Professor Hankey’s dedication to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care has made him an integral part of Western Australia’s neurology community. Over the course of his career, he has worked at Royal Perth Hospital, the University of Western Australia (UWA), and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. The lasting legacy of his work is improving the neurological health and wellbeing of Western Australians.

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

Professor Samar Mouin Aoun – for her significant service to community health through palliative and aged care research, and to tertiary education.

• As a dedicated researcher, Professor Aoun has focused on improving care for older Australians and those with life-limiting illnesses. Her efforts have led to increased awareness and understanding of the importance of community involvement in end-of-life care. Professor Aoun is the 2023 Western Australian of the Year, and worked in palliative care for the Perron Institute, UWA, and Curtin University, before co-founding and chairing the South West Compassionate Communities Network.

Professor Nina Tirnitz-Parker – for her significant service to biomedical science.

• Professor Tirnitz-Parker has made impactful advancements in the field, particularly through her research on liver disease and regenerative medicine. Her work has been instrumental in improving our understanding of liver health and developing new treatments for liver conditions. She is Head of the Liver Disease and Regeneration Group in the Curtin Medical School and Liver Cancer Program Lead at the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute.

These exemplars are among more than 70 Western Australians (external site) to receive Australia’s highest award for significant achievement and exceptional community service.