Recognition for distinguished career in reproductive biology

Reproductive health research leader Professor Jock Findlay AO has been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS), acknowledging his significant achievements in reproductive health research.

The accolade recognises Prof Findlay’s internationally esteemed research in reproductive biology. Prof Findlay has made novel contributions to understanding how fertility in women is related to the function of their ovaries, exploring how healthy eggs are formed, stored and released. His findings have led to a shift in understanding the role of hormones in the production of eggs.

“It is most gratifying to be recognised in this way and this award reflects the strength and depth of research in reproductive health at Hudson Institute,” Prof Findlay said.

An acclaimed career

Research in reproductive health has led to major advances in the development of assisted reproduction technologies such as IVF, where Australian researchers have led the way in reproductive medicine therapies used around the world. Prof Findlay has been a leader in reproductive biology in Australia and overseas since the 1970s, and his leadership continues through publications, mentorships and adjunct professorial appointments at Monash University and the University of Melbourne.

In 1979 he joined Prince Henry’s Institute, which merged in 2014 to become Hudson Institute. Today he leads the Ovarian Biology Laboratory at the Centre for Reproductive Health. This group is working to understand the regulation of the ovarian reserve of eggs, and chemoresistance and metastasis of ovarian cancer.

In 2017, he received a Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) Distinguished Service Award for leadership in advancing reproductive biology, and was the first person outside – North America to be elected to the Board and SSR President. This enabled him to further the goals of SSR and represent overseas members and champion their cause in the Society.

Lasting impact

The field of reproduction research is more than human fertility, it has a broader impact on wildlife and agriculture. Prof Findlay is  the founder of Reproductive Health Australia (RHA), a body which unites more than 170 scientists across all disciplines, to advocate for research in reproduction  for human health, livestock production and wildlife and the environment.

Prof Findlay has published more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and reviews, and has >18,000 citations. During his career, his leadership in science and medicine has included influential roles with the WHO and NHMRC, and he has received multiple awards and accolades.

Induction into the AAHMS

The Academy currently consists of 397 Fellows elected for their distinguished achievements and exceptional contributions to health and medical science.

Professor Findlay was formally inducted at the Academy’s AGM in Perth on Thursday, 10 October.