We are beyond proud to see our Chair, Professor Elizabeth Elliott, recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for her outstanding contributions to paediatric medicine, women’s health and advancing medical and social understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Professor Elliott has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia, reflecting her pioneering research, advocacy and dedication to clinical care in child health.
Professor Elliott has dedicated her career to advancing the health, wellbeing and human rights of vulnerable children in Australia and globally, with impactful work across rare and infectious diseases and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, as well as supporting children in refugee and asylum-seeking contexts.
She has led nationally significant initiatives, including founding the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit and co-leading the Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance Project, both of which have shaped clinical care and public health policy across Australia.
Her contributions to FASD have been truly transformative. In partnership with Emeritus Professor Carol Bower AC, she co-led the development of Australia’s first national FASD diagnostic guidelines, establishing the foundations for consistent diagnosis across the nation.
She went on to co-lead the first National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) FASD Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) from 2016 to 2021 with Emeritus Professor Carol Bower AC and has been appointed to lead a second NHMRC CRE from 2026 to 2030, a testament to her enduring national leadership and vision.
Beyond this, Professor Elliott has also led impactful research in child protection and broader paediatric health, further demonstrating her deep commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
Her global research impact is exceptional, ranking among the top researchers worldwide in FASD, with more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and over 21,000 citations, reflecting the scale and influence of her work.
From co-founding the FASD Hub Australia to driving research, policy and practice, Professor Elliott’s work continues to create meaningful change, improving the lives of children, families and communities across the country.
Congratulations, Professor Elliott, on this outstanding achievement.
Appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
Professor Elizabeth Jane ELLIOTT AM
For distinguished service to paediatric medicine, to women’s health, and to medical and social understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
