One of Australia’s leading cancer epidemiologists, a marine conservation expert, a global leader in regenerative medicine and Western Australia’s first dual-trained nuclear physician and breast radiologist, are among 21 staff and graduates recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours.
Emeritus Professor Bruce Armstrong, was one of only 10 Australians to be awarded the nation’s highest honour – the Companion of the Order of Australia – for eminent service to medical research, environmental and genetic cancer epidemiology, screening service development, academia and public health administration. Professor Armstrong has been adjunct professor at The University of Western Australia since 2015.
Wen Family Chair in Conservation and Director of the Marine Futures Lab, Professor Jessica Meeuwig was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her significant service to marine conservation and research.
Professor Meeuwig is an internationally renowned research leader in pelagic ecology who has pioneered the development and global application of mid-water baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS), transforming how scientists assess the distribution, abundance, and size structure of ocean wildlife in relation to environmental conditions and human pressures.
She was also recognised for her evidence-based contributions to ocean policy and management, particularly in relation to marine protected areas and shark conservation, having played a leading role in mobilising scientific communities to produce consensus statements that provide collective, independent advice to governments on complex ocean decisions.
Professor Minghao Zheng, an academic pathologist from UWA’s School of Biomedical Sciences, was also honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to orthopaedic research and regenerative medicine.
Head of Bone and Brain Research at the Perron Institute and UWA, Professor Zheng is a global leader in regenerative medicine and musculoskeletal and neuro tissue engineering.
He has pioneered the development of naturally derived biomaterials and biological therapies to treat trauma affecting nerves, cartilage, tendons, and bones.
His groundbreaking research in the development of collagen device and biomineralisation composite platform technologies has significantly advanced the understanding of musculoskeletal diseases and improved treatment outcomes for patients with orthopaedic conditions and neurotrauma.
Professor Zheng is also the founder of two UWA spinout companies Orthocell and Marine Biomedical Ltd.
Clinical Associate Professor and lecturer in UWA’s Medical School, Dr Anita Bourke was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community and radiology.
The first dual-trained nuclear physician and senior breast radiologist in WA, Dr Bourke worked as a consultant radiologist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and at BreastScreen WA for more than 30 years, introducing multiple new imaging and interventional breast techniques.
During her career she mentored many trainees, running breast imaging tutorials and preparing them for their clinical radiology examinations.
She also served as a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists’ Examiner and as a member of the College’s Breast Imaging Group for many years.
UWA Medical School Adjunct Clinical Professor Shirley Jansen was also awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to vascular surgery as a clinician and researcher.
Professor Jansen is head of the department of vascular and endovascular surgery and director of the Heart and Vascular Research Institute at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and program head of cardiovascular science and diabetes at Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.
Pioneering neuroradiologist, educator and champion of women’s rights Clinical Professor Lesley Cala was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to tertiary education.
After 50 years of teaching, research and practice within UWA, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital, Professor Cala served as a member of UWA’s Senate for 15 years before being elected to Convocation Council and serving as both Deputy Warden and Warden.
UWA staff and graduates recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List:
Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
Emeritus Professor Bruce Armstrong (BMedSc ’67, MBBS ’69, DM ’17)
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
Dr Kenneth Elliott (MBBS ’64)
Mrs Jocelyn Elliott (BSc ’64, GradDipEd ’65)
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Professor Jessica Meeuwig, UWA School of Biological Sciences, Oceans Institute
Professor Minghao Zheng, UWA School of Biomedical Sciences, Perron Institute (PhD ’94, MD ’00)
Adjunct Professor Shaun Collin, UWA Oceans Institute
Professor Shirley Jansen, UWA Medical School
Dr Ronald Edwards (Bec ’66, EdD ’06)
Ms Yvonne Henderson (BA ’69, GradDipEd ’70, LLB ’98, LLM ’03)
Dr Ravinder Anand (PhD ’85)
Ms Tonianne Dwyer (BJuris ’85, LLB ’86)
Ms Melanie Willis (Bec ’86)
Ms Deidre Willmott (BJuris ’84, LLB ’86)
Dr Anita Bourke (GradCertModLang ’09, BA ’16)
Mr Graham Spencer-Laitt (BJuris ’75, LLB ’76)
The late Mr Gene Tilbrook (BSc ’71, DipComp ’72, MBA ’79)
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Mr Malcolm Lewis (BPEd ’78)
Dr Kevin Cameron (MMus ’96)
Dr Andrew Brostek (BDSc ’78)
Clinical Professor Lesley Cala (MBBS ’64, MD ’84)
Mr Michael Ryan (LLB ’69)
Image top: Professor Minghao Zheng and Professor Jessica Meeuwig