Professor Jennifer Martin AC experienced a memorable 2017 with numerous honours, awards and accolades for her leading role in protein crystallography research, promoting women in science, and science communication.
But just weeks into the new year, the Director of Griffith University’s Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD) has been recognised again with one of the highest honors in the Australia Day Honors List – a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).
“I was shocked and thrilled to be awarded such a prestigious honour.
The award of an AC is a rare privilege and I am enormously grateful. It’s wonderful recognition of my work and the values of excellence, respect, integrity, collegiality and authenticity,” Professor Martin said.
The internationally renowned scientist received a host of honours last year includingthe Wunderly Oration Medal, election to the Australian Academy of Science, and elevation to Bragg Membership of the Royal Institution of Australia.
During her research career, Professor Martin has made seminal discoveries in many aspects of bacterial and mammalian biochemistry and is recognised as a world leader in structural biology, protein crystallography, protein interactions and their applications in drug design and discovery.
Griffith University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Ian O’Connor AC congratulated Professor Martin on her distinguished honour.
“On behalf of the Griffith community, I’m absolutely delighted that Professor Martin has been recognised for her extraordinary contribution to Australian science.
Her unrelenting passion to champion gender equity in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine) inspires us all as does her leadership of our Institute for Drug Discovery.”
Professor O’Connor AC also offered his warm congratulations to other members of the Griffith Community who were awarded honours.
Professor Emeritus Denis Crane, an internationally renowned molecular biochemist, received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to education in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology, as an academic and researcher, and to scientific bodies.
Professor Emeritus Pat Hoffie, a visual artist, curator and writer, received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the visual arts, education as an academic, and as a contributor to a range of cultural institutions and associations.
Professor Richard Wortley AMwas appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to criminology and psychology throughthe development of security and crime science education.