The Australian Academy of Science is celebrating the remarkable achievements of its Fellows, but this update also carries a somber note as we remember distinguished members who have recently passed.
February 2026 marks a period of significant recognition for many esteemed individuals within the Australian scientific community. Let's shine a spotlight on those who have been honored:
Honours and Awards to Fellows
- Emeritus Professor Bruce Armstrong AC FAA has been elevated to the prestigious Companion of the Order of Australia, a testament to his profound contributions.
- Professor John Cannon AO FAA has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia, acknowledging his significant impact.
- Professor Mark Cassidy AM FAA FTSE has received the honor of being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
- A truly monumental achievement: Professor Graeme Clark AC FAA FTSE FRS has been awarded the 2026 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering. This is a global recognition of his groundbreaking work, shared with Erwin Hochmair, Ingeborg Hochmair, and Blake Wilson.
- Professor Michelle Haber AM FAA FAHMS has been recognized with the Royal Society of New South Wales (RSNSW) James Cook Medal, highlighting her excellence.
- Scientia Professor Xiaojing Hao FAA FTSE has been honored with the RSNSW Edgeworth David Medal.
- Professor Anne Kelso AC FAA FAHMS has also been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, signifying her exceptional standing.
- Professor Max Lu AO FAA FTSE has been elected an International Fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA), a significant international honor.
- Dr Linda Richards AO FAA FAHMS was celebrated at the 2026 Australia Day Gala at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC, an acknowledgment of her influence.
- Scientia Professor Michelle Simmons AC FAA FTSE FRS has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, underscoring her leadership and impact.
But here's where it gets a bit more reflective... we also bid farewell to some incredible minds.
Obituaries
Professor Emma Johnston AO FAA FTSE (11/6/1973 – 26/12/2025)
Professor Emma Johnston, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science since 2022, was a titan in marine ecology. Her pioneering research wasn't just academic; it was so impactful that it has been widely adopted into policy by governments both in Australia and internationally. Beyond her scientific breakthroughs, Professor Johnston was a powerful advocate and a leading voice for Australian higher education, science, research, and diversity in STEM. She held influential leadership positions across numerous prestigious institutions, including the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, UNSW, Science and Technology Australia, the Ian Potter Foundation, CSIRO, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and the Sydney Harbour Institute for Marine Science. Her dedication to science communication, mentorship, and outreach made her an exceptional role model and a true champion for science. Her passing leaves a significant void.
Professor Stephen Vickers Boyden AM FAA (8/2/1925 – 26/12/2025)
Elected to the Academy in 1966 for his seminal work in immunology, Professor Stephen Boyden is perhaps best known for inventing the Boyden Chamber. This ingenious laboratory device revolutionized how researchers measure cell movement in response to chemical signals. But his contributions didn't stop there. In 1992, Professor Boyden co-founded the Nature and Society Forum, an organization committed to enhancing societal understanding of life processes, humanity's place in nature, and the interconnectedness of these with contemporary health and environmental challenges. Even at the remarkable age of 98, he published the book Biorenaissance. Professor Boyden also generously dedicated his time to the Academy, serving on various committees. His insights were captured in a fascinating interview with Professor Frank Fenner in 2003, where he shared reflections on his extraordinary life and career.
Dr Michael (Mike) William McElhinny FAA (9/12/1933 – 14/2/2026)
Dr Mike McElhinny, elected to the Academy in 1981, was a trailblazer in palaeomagnetism. He was instrumental in merging palaeomagnetic data with the groundbreaking theory of plate tectonics. His research meticulously mapped polar movement patterns across continents like Africa, Australia, India, and Madagascar, and most notably, he was key in establishing the structure of the supercontinent Gondwanaland. Born in London while his parents were on leave from India, his journey took him through India, South Africa, and eventually to Australia. He held significant positions, including Senior Fellow in Geophysics at the Australian National University and Chief of Geophysics at the Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics. In 1988, he and his wife, Jo Lock, established Gondwana Consultants to digitize and standardize global paleomagnetic data. Dr McElhinny's exceptional contributions were recognized with the Academy’s Mawson Medal (1983) and the American Geophysical Union’s Fleming Medal (1988), along with an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Western Australia (2003). He devoted over two decades of his time and expertise to the Australian Academy of Science.
And this is the part most people miss: While these individuals have achieved incredible feats, their passing also raises questions about how we best preserve and disseminate the knowledge they've accumulated. Is there enough emphasis on intergenerational knowledge transfer in science? What are your thoughts on the legacy of these great scientists and the future of scientific discovery? Share your agreement or disagreement in the comments below!
