Associate Professor Miguel Rentería has been awarded the Australian Academy of Science’s Ruth Stephens Gani Medal for his research advancing the understanding of the genetics and epidemiology of neurological disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease.
Each year the Academy’s Honorific Awards recognise exceptional researchers from across Australia, spanning early career scientists through to leaders who have made major, long-term contributions to their fields. The Ruth Stephens Gani Medal recognises research in human genetics and honours the late cancer researcher’s contribution to science in human cytogenetics.
Associate Professor Rentería has received the award for his outstanding contribution to research into neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, sleep disorders, chronic pain and dementia, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists.
He said he was incredibly grateful for the recognition, and the many collaborators, funding organisations and participants who made his research possible.
“Scientific progress rarely happens in isolation. This honour belongs to an extraordinary group of students, researchers, clinicians and study participants who have contributed their time, ideas and energy to advancing our understanding of Parkinson's and other brain disorders,” Associate Professor Rentería said.
As Group Leader of QIMR Berghofer’s Computational Neurogenomics Laboratory and scientific lead of the landmark Australian Parkinson’s Genetics Study (APGS), Associate Professor Rentería is dedicated to understanding why people develop certain conditions, how they progress and which treatments might work best.
“One of the most exciting parts of my work has been building the Australian Parkinson’s Genetics Study. More than 20,000 Australians have volunteered, and their generosity has created a unique national resource that aims to accelerate discoveries into the causes of Parkinson’s disease,” he said.
“We’re just beginning to uncover the biological mechanisms that shape disease risk, symptoms and progression.”
QIMR Berghofer Interim Director and CEO Professor Grant Ramm congratulated Associate Professor Rentería on the award.
“This well-deserved honour is testament to the scale and significance of Miguel’s research, and his commitment to improving outcomes for the millions of people affected by debilitating conditions like Parkinson’s disease. At QIMR Berghofer, the groundbreaking work being conducted by our researchers continues to change how we understand potential causes and treatments for disease.” Professor Ramm said.
The 2026 Honorific Award recipients were formally announced by the Australian Academy of Science.