We have renowned researchers and industry leaders who are internationally recognised for their outstanding achievements.

Some of our Nobel Prize winners, scholars and high-achieving staff include:

  • Laureate Professor Peter Doherty from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1996 with Swiss colleague Professor Rolf Zinkernagel for their discovery of how the immune system recognises virus infected cells. The University’s new Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, which will open in 2014, is named in his honour.
  • Internationally recognised chemist, Professor Andrew Holmes, received the 2012 Royal Medal for his groundbreaking research in polymer chemistry. The prize is awarded annually by the Royal Society London for the most important contributions in the physical, biological and applied sciences.
  • Dr Georgina Such from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering received a L’Oréal Australia For Women in Science Fellowship in 2011 for her research into smarter drug delivery.
  • Foundation Professor of Otolaryngology, Laureate Professor Graeme Clark AC, was awarded the 2011 Zotterman Medal by the Swedish Physiological Society for his work developing the multi-channel cochlear implant, which underpins ongoing work in the $42 million Bionic Eye project.
  • Paediatric neurologist, Professor Ingrid Scheffer, received the 2012 Asia-Pacific L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science award for her pioneering research into the causes of epilepsy.

Nobel Laureates

Many Nobel Laureates have taught, studied and researched at the University of Melbourne. Graduates include:

  • Professor Elizabeth Blackburn, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2009
  • Professor Sir James Mirrlees, Nobel Prize in Economic Science, 1996
  • Sir John Eccles, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1963
  • Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1960
  • Professor Joshua Lederberg, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1958
  • Lord Howard Florey, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1945
  • Sir James Mirrlees, Nobel Prize in Economic Science, 1996
  • Professor Bert Sakmann, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1991