UNSW chemist honoured by Australian Academy of Science for decades-long achievements

Professor Justin Gooding has been recognised for his innovative work, including commercialising one of the most used analytical medical devices in the world, the blood glucose meter.

A leading professor at UNSW Sydney is among 22 top Australian scientists to be recognised by the Australian Academy of Science today for outstanding contributions to the field of science.

UNSW Science Professor Justin Gooding received a 2024 career honorific award, the David Craig Medal and Lecture, for his career-long advancements in chemical research.

Prof. Gooding has been part of the commercialisation teams which produced a glucose biosensor sold worldwide, and co-designed a 3D printer that allows researchers to rapidly develop replicas of different types of cancer and their surrounding cells. His cutting-edge work on 3D bioprinting is expected to revolutionise cancer research.

Prof. Gooding leads a team of over 30 researching surface modification and nanotechnology. He said the award was a win for everyone who had contributed to the work.

“I feel incredibly honoured because when I look at the names of previous winners, I know every single one of them. This is an award for my research team and all the people we’ve collaborated with,” he said.

“There’s a famous quote by Harry Truman which says, ‘It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit’. That’s the sort of mantra I’ve worked by,” Prof. Gooding said. 

Prof. Gooding is most proud of mentoring younger researchers and is grateful his research has helped create technologies that are keeping people healthy and making their lives better.

“For me, it’s been that opportunity to dedicate your life’s work to trying to make the world a better place. It’s an incredible privilege to be able to make that contribution, many people don’t have the opportunity to do that,” he said.

UNSW Dean of Science Professor Sven Rogge congratulated Prof. Gooding on being recognised for his lifetime contribution to science.

“We are immensely proud of the dedication and ingenuity of Justin and his team and the strides they have made in progressing developments in biomedicine and the biotechnology industry. This award is the highest peer recognition one can receive in Australia and I applaud Justin on the achievement,” he said.

The Academy’s annual honorific awards celebrate the achievements of the country’s leading minds, from researchers who are early in their careers to those who have spent a lifetime contributing to science.