QIMR Director selected as a 2010 Queensland Great

The Director of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Professor Michael Good has been selected as a 2010 Queensland Great.

Professor Good was honoured today by the Queensland Premier, The Hon. Anna Bligh, in a ceremony at Celebration Lawn, Roma Street Parkland as part of the Queensland Week celebrations.

Professor Good was recognised as being a national and international health leader who has made a life-long commitment to help prevent disease and improve the treatment of those who are sick. He has pioneered the development of vaccines for malaria and streptococcus A, which causes rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease afflicting large numbers of Indigenous Australians. Professor Good’s work stands to save the lives of thousands of people not only in Queensland, but throughout the world.

Unfortunately Professor Good was unable to accept the award in person, as he is currently on sabbatical overseas. The award was accepted on his behalf by his wife Paula Good. “Michael is an incredibly proud Queenslander and is immensely honoured to be named as a 2010 Queensland Great. This honour will be a highlight amongst his many achievements and he is humbled to be listed alongside such worthy winners,” said Mrs Good.

“He has asked me to thank the many people who have helped him achieve what he has today – his colleagues and research collaborators; his friends and family. Michael always says medical research is never done alone – from his PhD students whose enthusiasm motivates him; to the staff and researchers who have helped build QIMR into what it is today; and to the wonderful donors whose generosity enables research to happen.”

Professor Good will be stepping down as Director of QIMR midyear to take up an Australia Fellowship and continue his lifesaving work in combating malaria and streptococcus A – two of the world’s biggest killers.