NeuRA is proud to announce that Scientia Professor Matthew Kiernan AM FAA FAHMS has been elected as a 2024 Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, joining the ranks of the nation’s most distinguished scientists. This honour recognises Professor Kiernan’s outstanding contributions to new approaches in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
President of the Academy Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC said: “Despite my election to the Academy some 19 years ago, I still recall the deep satisfaction of being recognised for my contributions to science, and I know that our 24 Fellows are sure to be feeling the same.”
“From the depths of Earth’s oceans to the edges of our galaxy, Fellows nominated to the Academy today represent the ground-breaking research happening in Australia.”
Professor Kiernan is an internationally renowned expert in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia. He has made significant advancements in the field of neuroscience, having devised and introduced neurophysiological techniques that enable ion channel function to be studied in vivo in human subjects. These discoveries have delineated normal function and the mechanisms of disease, enabling the identification of therapeutic targets that are now being trialled around the world.
Professor Kiernan’s work has defined diagnostic criteria for neurodegenerative diseases and established consensus guidelines adopted by the World Federation of Neurology. His implementation of novel therapies based on these discoveries is transforming the landscape of treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
“I am honoured to be elected by my peers as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. This recognition is a testament to the quality of research being undertaken at NeuRA, UNSW and more broadly, the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct. As a clinician academic and scientist, I wish to thank my collaborators and dedicated research team, whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental in driving our success and translational impact.”
Along with Professor Kiernan, UNSW Scientia Professor Louisa Degenhardt was also elected as a 2024 Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said: “We are immensely proud of Professors Kiernan and Degenhardt who have been acknowledged by their peers at the Australian Academy of Science.
“They are global leading experts in their fields, and their fellowships honour decades of exceptional and impactful research.”
Interim Dean of UNSW Medicine & Health Professor Adrienne Torda congratulated Prof. Kiernan on his fellowship.
“Prof. Kiernan’s research has had significant impacts in understanding neurodegenerative disease, motor neuron disease, and frontotemporal dementia. I am delighted that his dedication has been recognised by the Academy and look forward to watching the outcomes of his research in the years ahead.”
