Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) Director Professor Kathryn North AC has been elected a Fellow of the UK’s Academy of Medical Sciences in recognition of her out standing contributions to advancing medical science.

Professor North joins an esteemed membership of more than 1,500 exceptional biomedical and health scientists from across the world.

She is recognised internationally for her exceptional scientific achievements, particularly in genomic medicine, and nationally for her contributions to policy and guiding strategic direction of the medical research sector.

Over the past decade Professor North spearheaded the major national and global consortia focused on embedding genomic medicine into healthcare. From 2016-2025, she led a nationwide initiative, Australian Genomics, that prototyped a national approach to genomic medicine. 

Based on the evidence generated by Australian Genomics, the Federal Government established a new national government agency, Genomics Australia, on 1 July 2025 to ensure genomic medicine continues to be embedded in the national healthcare system to benefit all Australians.

Professor North is also David Danks Professor of Child Health Research at the University of Melbourne, and serves on numerous Boards and peak bodies, including as Chair of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board and Vice Chair of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health.

Her research excellence and contributions have been recognised through several awards and distinctions, including the GSK Australia Award for Research Excellence (2011) and the Peter Wills Medal (2019) in recognition of her long-term contribution to building Australia’s international reputation in health and medical research. Professor North received the Companion of the Order of Australia (2019) for eminent service to genomic medicine, to medical research in the fields of genetics, neurology and child health, and as a mentor and role model.

MCRI Professorial Fellow in Biomedical Ethics Julian Savulescu was also elected a Fellow of the Academy. Professor Savulescu is Chen Su Lan Centennial Professor in Medical Ethics and Director of the Centre for Biomedical Ethics at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. He holds the Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics and is Director of the Centre for Practical Ethics at the University of Oxford and is a Principal Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Law School and Melbourne Medical School.

Image: Professor Julian Savulescu

The Academy of Medical Sciences shapes research and health policy in the UK and worldwide. The latest cohort of 60 Fellows announced on 21 May were recognised for their leadership in discovery research, translational work and the application of scientific knowledge in ways that deliver tangible benefits for patients and the wider community.

The Fellows elected this year represented 28 institutions, eight nationalities and 42 per cent were women.

Read more about Professor Kathryn North’s work and MCRI’s four decades of discovery.