Professor Sant-Rayn Pasricha, a Peter Mac and Royal Melbourne Hospital haematologist, has received the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences’ (AAHMS) Jian Zhou Medal.

The Medal is awarded annually to a rising star of Australian health and medical science – an individual who is making a significant impact in translational medical science, primarily working in Australia.

Prof Pasricha is recognised for his research into anaemia, a blood condition which impacts over 800 million women and children worldwide and which can impair development.

His work has informed World Health Organisation policy, and has involved international field trials looking at different approaches to alleviate anaemia in low and middle-income countries.

“My vision is to eliminate the burden of anaemia around the world, especially in children,” says Prof Pasricha, who is also an epidemiologist and molecular biologist who leads the Population Health and Immunity Division at WEHI.

“I’m very grateful for the recognition the Academy has given to the public health, translational and discovery work of my team that is working hard to improve health for the billions of people worldwide impacted by or at risk of anaemia.”

Read more about Prof Pasricha’s research on the AAHMS website, or watch the below.

The Jian Zhou Medal was instigated in 2020, is named in honour of cervical cancer vaccine co-inventor Professor Jian Zhou, and recipients are officially presented the Medal at the AAHMS’ annual meeting each October.

Previous Jian Zhou Medal recipients with Peter Mac roles are: