AusBiotech has celebrated the achievements of members recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours List.
The association said the honours highlight the excellence and innovation at the heart of Australia's life sciences sector and showcase its impact on science, public health, and global research.
Professor John Francis Fraser, founder and chief medical officer of De Motu Cordis, was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his service to medicine as an intensive care physician and surgeon and to global critical care research.
Emeritus Professor Keith Alexander Nugent, deputy vice-chancellor at The Australian National University, was appointed as an AO for distinguished service to tertiary education, to science as a physicist and to the advancement of optical physics.
Professor Lauren Ayton, associate dean of innovation and enterprise at The University of Melbourne, was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to optometry, to ophthalmology, and to public health as a clinician and researcher.
Dr Craig Robert Rayner, director of the Regional Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropic Disease at Moderna, was appointed as an AM for his significant service to pharmacology in a range of roles and organisations.
"We are thrilled to recognise the significant contributions of members who have been honoured for their work. Their achievements are a testament to the world-class talent within Australia's life sciences ecosystem," said Rebekah Cassidy, AusBiotech CEO.
“These honours spotlight the dedication and ingenuity that drive our industry forward. The recipients remind us of our sector's profound impact in improving health outcomes, fostering innovation, and strengthening Australia's global reputation in life sciences.
"Celebrating these leaders reinforces the importance of their work and underscores the critical role of collaboration in advancing breakthroughs that have a lasting impact on society here and abroad," added Ms Cassidy.