The Perron Institute has acknowledged with great admiration and pride the recognition received by two of its most prominent leaders in the 2025 Australian Honours, Professor Graeme Hankey AO and Professor Samar Aoun AM.
Professor Graeme Hankey has been awarded Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to medicine as a Neurologist and Stroke Physician, to research and as an author and editor.
He is Perron Institute Chair in Stroke Research at The University of Western Australia and Western Australia’s Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science.
Professor Hankey’s main research interests include epidemiological studies and clinical trials of treatment strategies for acute stroke and stroke prevention. He has led large international clinical trials and is now co-leading Argenica Therapeutics’ Phase 2 trial of the very promising neuroprotective therapy ARG-007 and discovered by the Perron Institute for acute ischaemic stroke.
“Professor Hankey has a hugely deserved national and international reputation for excellence for his contributions over a lifetime of achievement in his fields of expertise,” said Steve Arnott, Perron Institute Chief Executive Officer.
“With Professor Hankey’s leadership and direct involvement, the Perron Institute is furthering its development as a centre of excellence for stroke, and we’re delighted that this great Australian has achieved this latest high honour as one of our nation’s most distinguished clinicians and research leaders.
“All at the Perron Institute are also hugely proud of Professor Samar Aoun, who was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to community health through palliative care, aged care research and tertiary education.
“Professor Aoun is the Perron Institute Research Chair in Palliative Care at The University of Western Australia and has earned an impressive reputation for her international leadership in the advocacy of public health approaches to palliative care,” Steve Arnott said.
“Among her achievements is her work on strengthening the Compassionate Communities approach to care that mobilises and equips the community to better support those facing death and bereavement. This includes the establishment of Compassionate Communities Australia, to enable people to care, die and grieve supported by their community.
“Professor Aoun has also made a significant contribution in the motor neurone disease (MND) care research field to address the psychosocial and palliative care needs of people living with MND and their family carers and to improve support services before and after bereavement.
“This most recent honour builds on other honours and awards received including Professor Aoun’s recognition as WA’s Australian of the Year in 2023.”