Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is pleased to announce that Professor Kim Delbaere, Senior Principal Research Scientist at NeuRA and UNSW Medicine & Health, and Director of Innovation & Translation at NeuRA’s Falls, Balance & Injury Research Centre, has been elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. As one of 31 new Fellows elected to join the Academy in 2024, this honour recognises Professor Delbaere’s significant and ongoing contribution to health and medical sciences.
Academy President Professor Louise Baur said: “Our new Fellows have an exceptional body of work, with each of them recognised as 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.”
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. 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,” said Professor Delbaere.
NeuRA CEO and Institute Director Professor Matthew Kiernan AM said: “I would like to congratulate Kim on receiving this prestigious recognition as a leader in her field. Kim’s election to the Academy reflects her exceptional leadership in translating research into meaningful healthcare innovations. Her work in falls prevention is transforming the way we care for older Australians, offering practical solutions that improve quality of life. By fostering partnerships across the healthcare system, Kim’s research will have a lasting and positive impact on both older adults and the wider community.”
