Professor Graves was awarded the highest honour within the Order of Australia for eminent service to science, particularly through leadership and research in evolutionary genetics, to international and national professional societies, for science education in schools, and as a mentor and role model for women.
Jenny is among the world’s foremost evolutionary geneticists. Her discoveries have radically changed our understanding of the genes and genomes of animals, including humans, and focussed attention on the contributions that Australia’s unique species can make to our understanding of biological processes.
Professor Graves said she was thrilled to be awarded an AC in this year’s list.
“I’ve had a thrilling career in science, and with all the new genome data it gets better and better,” Professor Graves said.
“I want to acknowledge the many wonderful colleagues, students and postdocs, with whom I have worked over the years – great scientists and friends. And I also want to thank La Trobe University for being so supportive of my research and committed to ensuring women are given the opportunity to be as inspired by science as I have been.”
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO congratulated Professor Graves on her latest achievement.
“Professor Graves is not just a remarkable geneticist, she is a role model for future scientists around the world – particularly young women,” Professor Dewar said.
“Jenny’s life-long commitment to research and innovation has already resulted in her achieving some significant accolades, including becoming the first woman to win the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science in 2017, winning the L’Oreal-UNESCO award for women in science in 2006 and being elected as an international member of the esteemed National Academy of Sciences in the USA.
“It’s wonderful to now be celebrating her unique contributions to science with this prestigious Companion of the Order award.”
Special congratulations also go to Distinguished Alumni Award recipient (2020) Laureate Professor Ary Hoffman AC, who was recognised as a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to science, particularly evolutionary biology and ecological genetics, through research, mentoring and education, and to professional scientific organisations.
Professor Dewar also acknowledged all the other recipients of this year’s Australia Day Honours.
“I congratulate everyone who has received Australia Day Honours today, and especially the alumni, staff and friends of La Trobe who have received these prestigious awards in recognition of their significant national and global contribution,” Professor Dewar said.
We would like to recognise and congratulate:
Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
Professor Jenny Graves AC (staff member)
For eminent service to science, particularly through leadership and research in evolutionary genetics, to international and national professional societies, for science education in schools, and as a mentor and role model for women.
Laureate Professor Ary Anthony Hoffman AC (former staff member and alumnus)
For eminent service to science, particularly evolutionary biology and ecological genetics, through research, mentoring and education, and to professional scientific organisations.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Professor Amanda Barnard AM (ex-course advisory board member)
For significant service to computational science, to medical research, and to education.
Ms Melanie Brock AM (former staff member)
For significant service to Australia-Japan relations.
Professor Maxine Duke AM (alumna)
For significant service to education, to nursing, and to professional associations.
Dr Lynne Kelly AM (staff member)
For significant service to science education as a writer and researcher.
The Honourable Maxine Morand AM (alumna)
For significant service to the Parliament of Victoria, and to community health.
Ms Susan Salthouse AM (alumna, deceased)
For significant service as an advocate for people with disability, and to the prevention of family violence.
Professor Marc Tennant AM (former staff member, who established La Trobe’s oral health and dentistry programs)
For significant service to tertiary dental education, and to professional associations.
Mr Antony Walker AM (staff member)
For significant service to the media as a journalist, and to the community.
Mr Andrew Wheeler AM (alumnus)
For significant service to the community through charitable organisations.
The Very Reverend Peter Williams AM (alumnus)
For significant service to the Catholic Church in Australia, and to tertiary education.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Dr Faye Bendrups OAM (alumna)
For service to the performing arts, particularly through music.
Mr Vincent Branigan OAM (alumnus)
For service to the community of Benalla.
Ms Elisabeth Lenders OAM (alumna)
For service to education.
Mr Edward Perati OAM (alumnus)
For service to the community through music.
Ms Emily Petricola OAM (alumna)
For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020.
Ms Janice Whyte OAM (alumna)
For service to the community of Marree.
Public Service Medal (PSM)
Ms Rosa Billi PSM (alumna)
For outstanding public service to community health in Victoria, particularly in the area of gambling harm.
Media Contact: Madeline Walker | 0487 448 734 | madeline.walker@latrobe.edu.au
