Chief Investigators Scientia Professor Justin Gooding and Professor Kim Delbaere were elected Fellows of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences’ (AAHMS) in 2024 for their significant and continuing research in their field.

Academy President Professor Louise Baur said: “Our new Fellows have a truly exceptional body of work, with each of them considered international leaders in their respective fields.”

“Our Fellowship represents the breadth and diversity of Australia’s health and medical expertise, allowing us to draw on independent, expert and evidence-based advice to drive change and improve health for all.”

Scientia Professor Justin Gooding FAA, FTSE, FAHMS

Justin is one of a small number of researchers who are members of all three STEM based learned academies: the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
On his achievement, he said: “It is very humbling and somewhat overwhelming. I feel it is testament to the ability of my team to do research that spans basic science to commercialising devices that provide tangible benefits to people and biomedical researchers.”
Prof. Gooding’s current project is a smart patch being commercialised by a company in Melbourne with support from his team. The smart patch goes on a patient’s arm, allowing doctors to detect drug levels continuously and in real time, ensuring drug levels are right for the patient and not the average person. He describes it as “the most exciting, game changing technology that will come in our lifetime”.

Professor Kim Delbaere FAHMS

Throughout her career, Professor Kim Delbaere has made major contributions to identifying risk factors for falls and sub-optimal ageing. With a background in physiotherapy, she has dedicated her research to falls prevention, exercise interventions and the use of innovative health technology.
Her vision is to empower older Australians to understand and navigate better health trajectories through self-management. In addition to her research, she uses advocacy and commercialisation strategies to broaden the impact of her work.
“I am truly honoured to have been elected by my peers for this fellowship. My work has always been about translating research into real-world solutions that improve the lives of older adults,” Prof. Delbaere said.
“By working closely with consumers, healthcare professionals and policymakers, we are making evidence-based falls prevention strategies accessible and empowering older Australians to live more confidently and independently.”

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