Monash University’s Internationally Renowned Academics Awarded Prestigious Fellowship
Renowned rheumatologist and clinical epidemiologist, Professor Rachelle Buchbinder AO FAA, FAHMS and distinguished plant scientist, Professor Ros Gleadow, have been elected as a 2024 Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science are among the nation’s most distinguished scientists, elected by their peers for their outstanding contributions to science and research. From 1954 to 2023, there have been 915 Fellows elected to the Academy.
Professor Buchbinder who is a rheumatologist and clinical epidemiologist from the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, has been recognised for her sustained research achievements in the musculoskeletal health field, and for being a vocal proponent of evidence-informed high-value health care.
Professor Gleadow, who is from the Faculty of Science, has become a trailblazer in her field, pioneering research that addresses critical challenges facing global agriculture and food security. The recognition highlights Professor Gleadow’s outstanding contributions to the field of plant science, particularly on how plants respond to environmental change and leadership in the international plant science community.
Professor Buchbinder and Professor Ros Gleadow are among 24 new Fellows welcomed to the Academy this year.
An Officer of the Order of Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, Professor Buchbinder said she was honoured to be welcomed as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. “It is a great privilege to be recognised among Australia’s most distinguished scientists,” she said. “I am very thankful for the support of the many wonderful research colleagues I have worked with throughout my career, and I will continue to dedicate my career to producing the best evidence to inform higher quality care for the community.”
Professor Gleadow’s ground-breaking work on plant defence has reshaped our understanding of plant biology and the impact of climate change on plant nutritional value. Initially thought to be only for defence against herbivores, Professor Gleadow has shown that the production of cyanide-releasing chemicals is critical for how plants manage the uptake and use of nitrogenous fertilisers. This challenges the view that production of “defence” chemicals is costly, whereas they confer benefits for growth and managing stress.
Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Mike Ryan, congratulated Professor Buchbinder and Professor Gleadow on their Fellowships.
“These Fellowships are elected by peers at the Australian Academy of Science, who are among the nation’s most distinguished scientists. These appointments really speak to the outstanding reputations of Professors Buchbinder and Gleadow as well as their ongoing research excellence.”
As a Fellow of the Academy of Science, both Professor Buchbinder and Professor Gleadow join an elite group of leading researchers who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and leadership in their respective disciplines. Their election highlights a significant impact on advancing scientific knowledge.