Steve Simpson, Academic Director of the Charles Perkins Center and Professor in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, was awarded the Australian Academy of Sciences Macfarlane Burnet Medal and Lecture – for his groundbreaking research into the locust swarming, which included examining the brains of individual locusts to continental-scale migration patterns.

His research led to a groundbreaking framework for nutrition research that has since been applied to a wide range of organisms and used to solve problems ranging from aquaculture and conservation biology to dietary effects on obesity. and aging.

The Macfarlane Burnet Medal and Lecture recognizes the highest quality scientific research in the biological sciences and provides the opportunity to deliver a prestigious lecture at the Academy of Sciences.

The Academy citation stated that: “Since 2012, Professor Simpson has applied his biological and biomedical research and knowledge to alleviate the burden of chronic disease in humans through a unique interdisciplinary initiative at the Charles Perkins Center of the University of Sydney.”

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Mark Scott AO, congratulated Professor Simpson and praised his contribution to health and scientific research.

“Professor Simpson’s far-reaching and collaborative work has helped revolutionize our understanding of nutrition and chronic disease and the impact of his work continues to benefit medicine and science worldwide. I congratulate him on his recognition by the Australian Academy of Sciences.

The award is the latest in a long line of recognition for Professor Simpson’s contributions to science and the community: he received the Eureka Award for Scientific Research in 2008, NSW Scientist of the Year in 2009, the Medal and the Wigglesworth Prize, the Royal Entomological Society in 2012, and was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2015.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Duncan Ivison said:

“We are proud of Professor Simpson’s well-deserved recognition by the Australian Academy of Sciences. His world-renowned research in nutritional biology and entomology has made substantial contributions to the understanding of human nutrition and aging, and has inspired others to follow his example and undertake research to improve health and well-being. human well-being.

Professor Simpson is also the author of Eat Like the Animals: What Nature Teaches Us About the Science of Healthy Eating in 2020, and The nature of nutrition: a unifying framework of animal adaptation to human obesity in 2012, both with Dr. David Raubenheimer.

He was the co-writer, narrator and presenter of the four-part documentary Great Southern Landfor ABC TV, which aired in September 2012 to critical and viewer acclaim.