UQ community recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

This article will continue to be updated to include members of the UQ community named on the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Professor David Craik has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia

An internationally-recognised scientist is among an extensive list of University of Queensland representatives who have been named on the King’s Birthday Honours List this year.

UQ researchers, academics, alumni and philanthropists are among the more than 1,100 Australians recognised for their contributions and service to the community.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AO congratulated community members who were recognised on the Honours List.

“I’m pleased to see so many members of our UQ community recognised and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to society,” Professor Terry said.

“Each one of them should be immensely proud of their achievements, which also help to highlight the impact of research, teaching and learning at UQ.”

Professor David Craik, a Laureate Fellow at UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to science in the field of biological and medicinal chemistry, to tertiary education, and as a mentor.

“I felt very humbled and excited as it recognises the hard work of my team of talented and dedicated researchers,” Professor Craik said.

“It also is very nice that it was made possible by the unwavering support of my wife and family over many years while I dedicated a lot of my time to exploring the world of science.”

Professor Craik discovered a family of plant molecules – or peptides – that can be harnessed for a range of applications including new drug classes and eco-friendly pesticides.

Professor Craik was also recently elected as a Fellow of the oldest scientific society in the world, the Royal Society, for his outstanding contribution to science.

Other UQ staff recipients include:

  • Associate Professor Roger Grigg from the Rural Clinical School within the Medical School has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for significant service to medicine in the field of otolaryngology head and neck surgery.
  • Adjunct Professor Peter Martin APM from UQ’s School of Social Science has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for significant service to public administration in Queensland. He served as a police officer for 38 years and is a former Deputy Commissioner in the Queensland Police Service and Commissioner of Queensland Corrective Services.
  • Adjunct Professor John McGagh from UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for significant service to the mining sector as a chemical engineer.
  • Small animal surgical specialist, Adjunct Professor Philip Moses has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for significant service to the veterinary profession as a doctor, administrator and educator. He has lectured in Australia, North America and South East Asia to promote and improve animal care and welfare. 
  • Emeritus Professor Robert Michael Whitby from the Greenslopes Clinical Unit within the Medical School was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to medicine in the field of infectious diseases, and to tertiary education.

Other members of our extended community of former staff, community members, supporters and alumni include:

  • Reginald John Richardson Co-Founder, Director and supporter of UQ’s Poche Centre, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to community health organisations, and to the visual arts as a leader, supporter and patron.
  • Professor Donald Wilson has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to medicine through public health leadership, to regulatory bodies, and to tertiary education.
  • UQ alum Brett Clark has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to community health, the arts, and to sports organisations. Mr Clark was a 2022 recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award and a director of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.
  • Emeritus Professor Lindy McAllister has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for significant service to speech pathology and allied health in a range of roles. She is a previous National President of Speech Pathology Australia and is recognised for championing social justice and equity for individuals with communication and swallowing needs, and as a mentor to students and academics in Australia and overseas.
  • Engineer and mining executive, UQ alum Allan Davies has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM). He has been recognised for his service to the community through charity work including co-founding Dalara Foundation which donates to medical research, education, animal protection and Indigenous youth.
  • Former staff member, Adjunct Professor Peter Ryan has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM) for his service to dentistry. Professor Ryan’s distinguished career included a 37-year association with UQ’s School of Dentistry, and various professional associations.
  • Dr Margaret Shapiro has been appointed a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM), for her service to community health.