Committee for Melbourne honours Professor James McCluskey

Professor Jim McCluskey AO (centre) receives the Melbourne Achiever Award from the Deputy Premier Ben Carroll (left) and the Committee for Melbourne Chair Scott Tanner (right).

The Committee for Melbourne has awarded its prestigious Melbourne Achiever Award to University of Melbourne Assistant Vice-Chancellor Professor James McCluskey AO.

Professor McCluskey received the honour at a function on Thursday night.

The award recognises Professor McCluskey’s extensive individual contributions to the biomedical research sector and the community in a career spanning nearly 30 years.

Among his list of achievements, Professor McCluskey was instrumental in the conception, construction and development of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health (RMH).

Professor McCluskey was a consultant immunologist for the Red Cross LifeBlood, Victorian Transplantation and Immunogenetics Service, and he led the team that established the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program. The Program is focused on developing Indigenous leadership to effect social change through reducing social disadvantage.

For the past 13 years, Professor McCluskey was the University of Melbourne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), providing academic leadership across the University with overall responsibility for research strategy.

University of Melbourne Vice Chancellor Duncan Maskell was delighted that Professor McCluskey has been recognised by the Committee for Melbourne.

“This award is much deserved recognition for Professor McCluskey,” Professor Maskell said. He has dedicated his life to medical research, leading to health outcomes that have changed the lives of people around the world.

“On a personal level, Professor McCluskey is someone with whom I have worked with very closely for almost six years. He is a person of the highest integrity, whose advice and judgement I have always relied on. I can’t think of anyone more appropriate to receive this award.”

Professor McCluskey said he was humbled to receive the 2024 Melbourne Achiever Award

“I have a passion for delivering innovation and setting up our health and other sectors to be able to achieve exceptional research outcomes,” Professor McCluskey said.

“I have been privileged to work with organisations and highly supportive people who also have a drive and passion for the health industry, which has resulted in outcomes like the Peter Doherty Institute.

“I have always explored ways that innovation and research can be developed and implemented collaboratively across the private, government and research sectors. I look forward to continuing to work with great people and organisations to contribute to Melbourne and Australia’s future.”