Australia Day Honours 2012

University of Sydney academics have been recognised for the significant contributions they’ve made in their fields and to their communities with the latest round of Australia Day Honours, announced yesterday by the Governor-General.

This year’s recipients have been honoured for their work in fields as diverse as nutrition, family law, history and paediatrics.

Vice-Chancellor Michael Spence has extended his congratulations to the staff and community members who have received honours this year.

"I warmly congratulate all those members of the University community who have been awarded Australia Day Honours, and thank them for the outstanding contribution they have made in such a broad range of fields," said Spence.

"These awards reflect the strength and breadth of teaching and research at the University, and we are delighted that the members of our community have received such prestigious public recognition."

Two alumni have been named Companion of the Order of Australia, the highest honour bestowed. These include conductor Richard Bonynge, who studied at the Conservatorium of Music, and The Honourable Justice Virginia Bell (LLB ’77).

This year’s Honours include:

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

Ian Darnton-Hill, Adjunct Professor at the Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, Sydney Medical School

For distinguished service to the international community, particularly in the areas of public health and nutrition, to disease prevention and health promotion, and as a physician, academic and educator.

David Skellern, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies

For distinguished service to science and engineering as a leading researcher, and to the design and development of world-leading information technology applications.

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

Sandra Anderson, Clinical Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School

For service to respiratory medicine as an academic and researcher, and to the community through the Asthma Foundation of New South Wales.

The Honourable Jennifer Boland, Adjunct Professor, Sydney Law School

For service to the judiciary through the Family Court of Australia, to legal education, and to the community, particularly through social welfare organisations.

Professor Michael Dureau, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies

For service to engineering, to professional education and research, and to the community, particularly through the RedR disaster relief organisation.

Professor Kathryn North, Douglas Burrows Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School

For service to medicine in the field of neuromuscular and neurogenetics research, paediatrics and child health as a clinician and academic, and to national and international professional associations

Emeritus Professor Roslyn Pesman, Emeritus Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

For service to tertiary education through academic and administrative roles, particularly the study of the history

Professor Garry Walter, Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School

For service to medicine in the field of adolescent mental health, to medical education, and as a contributor to professional publications.

Professor Dennis Yue, Kellion Professor of Endocrinology, Sydney Medical School

For service to medicine in the field of diabetes and endocrinology, as a clinician and researcher and through advisory roles with national and international organisations.

Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division

Emeritus Professor Brian Fletcher, Department of History, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

For service to education as an academic, researcher and author in the discipline of Australian history.

David Lillystone, Clinical Associate Lecturer, Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School

For service to medicine in the field of paediatrics and child health.

Professor Stephen Clarke, Professor of Oncology, Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School

For service to medicine in the disciplines of oncology and pharmacology.

Associate Professor Peter Thursby, Associate Professor of Vascular Surgery, Sydney Medical School

For service to medicine in the field of vascular surgery, and to the Concord Repatriation General Hospital.