Professor Iain Clarke AM receives David de Kretser Medal
The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences presented the David de Kretser Medal to the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute’s Professor Iain Clarke AM on Thursday 6 December.
The David de Kretser Medal is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution — nationally and internationally — to human health and wellbeing.
Professor Clarke has made a number of groundbreaking contributions across a wide range of fields: reproduction, animal behaviour, the pastoral industry, human health and clinical medicine.
Professor Clarke was the Head of the Department of Physiology from 2007-2017. During his time at the helm, Professor Clarke revitalised research and teaching within the department, was an astute budget manager, and oversaw a dramatic increase in student numbers.
Professor Clarke established the Monash Obesity and Diabetes Institute, one of the two largest groups in Australia working on obesity and diabetes. He also established the Victorian Obesity Coalition and the BASE (Be Active, Sleep, Eat) Centre at Monash, combining basic translational and clinical studies of obesity. He has been honoured by a number of awards and life memberships.
“Iain has provided exemplary leadership and service to the university in his roles in the Department of Physiology, and to the broader medical research community where he has given significant service to medicine in the field of endocrinology and neuroendocrinology, and to medical research into reproductive biology,” Professor Christina Mitchell, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.
Professor Clarke’s main area of research is neuroendocrinology, which relates to the interaction between the nervous and hormonal systems. Widely recognised for his leadership and research, Professor Clarke has published more than 500 peer-reviewed scientific papers and book chapters, mentored and inspired secondary school and university students, and among other volunteer roles has educated the community on men’s health.
“I have known David de Kretser since I came to Melbourne in 1977 and have had the privilege of working with him, so it is great personal honour to accept this award,” Professor Clarke said.
“This is one of the most significant honours that the Faculty bestows,” Professor Cowley, current Head of the Department of Physiology said.
“I cannot think of a more deserving recipient than Clarkey,” he said.
About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute
Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the newly established Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.