Littlejohn Medal recognises research excellence for impact in health and medical sciences

The University of Melbourne is proud to launch the Littlejohn Medal on International Women’s Day 2025. This prestigious new award, alongside the introduction of a third Marles Medal, honours outstanding contributions to knowledge and research across health and medical disciplines.

The Littlejohn Medal is named in tribute to the trailblazing Dr Jean Littlejohn OBE CBE MB MS DLO FRACS (1899–1990), an esteemed University of Melbourne alum. Graduating with a medical degree in 1922, Dr Littlejohn’s remarkable career encompassed groundbreaking contributions to paediatric ear, nose, and throat medicine.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Mark Cassidy, said the Littlejohn Medal expands on the University’s commitment to recognising excellence in the research community.

“Dr Littlejohn’s incredible contributions to medical scholarship and surgical training, particularly in the realm of treating infant deafness and hearing loss, have a profound and lasting impact on the field,” Professor Cassidy said.

“By naming this medal in her honour, we are both celebrating her legacy and recognising our next generation of researchers. It reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the achievements of historically under-recognised women scientists and researchers.

“This medal recognises one of our bold researchers, and those to follow, in expanding the boundaries of knowledge in health and medical sciences.”

Dr Littlejohn’s achievements included pioneering the use of hearing aids in infants and developing a new technique for adenotonsillectomy (the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids). She was a fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons, the first woman to be elected to the University’s Faculty of Medicine, and a Commander of the British Empire.

Dr Littlejohn’s family expressed great pride in the University’s decision.

“My great aunt would have been greatly honoured to have been remembered in this way,” said her great-nephew, Euan Littlejohn. “We are incredibly proud of her achievements and delighted that her extraordinary work is being recognised by the University.”

The Littlejohn Medal will be awarded annually to a University of Melbourne staff member for research published within the preceding five years. It recognises the most significant contributions to knowledge and research excellence in fields relating to health and medical sciences. The recipient will receive a medal and a $10,000 prize.

Professor Cassidy also highlighted the expanded Marles Medal scheme, which now includes a third medal and $10,000 prize to recognise research impact in the health and medical sciences.

“This expanded recognition aims to reflect the depth and breadth of research excellence and impact within the University and the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct," Professor Cassidy said.

“This is the third largest precinct of its kind in the world and home to some of the world’s most cutting-edge medical research.”

The Littlejohn Medal and the new Marles Medal will be awarded for the first time this year. Applications for both open on 10 March 2025 and close 20 June 2025.

Researchers in health and medical sciences are encouraged to apply and share their transformational work. As relevant to each new medal, panels of senior academics will assess each applicant’s contribution to knowledge or positive impact on the economy, society, culture, policy, health, the environment, or quality of life beyond academia.

This new medal complements the University’s long-standing Woodward Medals, which honour research excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and HASS (humanities, arts, and social sciences). Applications for the Woodward Medals are also open.