Two QIMR Berghofer researchers have been recognised by The Australian Society for Parasitology (ASP), with Professor Darren Gray awarded the 2026 Bancroft-Mackerras Medal and Professor Katja Fischer awarded the 2026 Bridget Ogilvie Medal and elected a Fellow of the Society.
The awards recognise their significant contributions to parasitology research, education and improving health outcomes for communities affected by parasitic diseases in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific region.
Professor Darren Gray is an infectious disease epidemiologist, Program Director of the Population Health Program at QIMR Berghofer, and Founder and Director of the Centre for Tropical Health and Emerging Diseases. His research focuses on the transmission and control of tropical infectious diseases and diseases of poverty, with the goal of developing sustainable public health interventions that lead to disease control and eventual elimination.
The Bancroft-Mackerras Medal recognises Professor Gray’s contributions to health in the tropics, including schistosomiasis control policy in China, producing innovative health education and
sanitation interventions throughout South-East Asia, helping eliminate helminth disease in the Lower Mekong through the HELM program, and advancing strongyloidiasis elimination in Indigenous communities.
Professor Katja Fischer is an internationally recognised leader in scabies research and Senior Group Leader of the Scabies Laboratory at QIMR Berghofer. Her pioneering work has generated critical insights into the biology of scabies and translated those discoveries into innovative approaches for diagnosis, treatment and disease control.
The Bridget Ogilvie Medal recognises Professor Fischer’s outstanding contribution to parasitology education and community engagement. Her work includes building Indigenous capability in parasitology research, delivering education through the Australian Society for Parasitology’s Concepts in Parasitology Course and National Science Week events, supporting Orange Sky Laundry to identify laundry conditions that kill scabies mites and eggs, educating health professionals and stakeholders in remote communities, and collaborating with artists in Hope Vale, Queensland.
Professor Gray said parasitic infections continue to have a significant impact on health in northern Australia. “For Indigenous Australians living in remote communities, overcrowded housing and infrastructure challenges can contribute to poor sanitation, increasing the risk of disease transmission.”
“Some of our biggest challenges in include gastrointestinal infections such as Strongyloides, Cryptosporidium, richuris and Giardia, as well as skin diseases like scabies. Many of these parasites are found in both humans and animals,” Professor Gray said.
Professor Fischer said education, partnerships and community engagement were central to improving awareness and supporting disease control efforts. “It is particularly rewarding to contribute to
initiatives that strengthen local capability and support better health outcomes in remote and vulnerable communities,” Professor Fischer said.