Professor James Smith has become the first-ever researcher from the Northern Territory (NT) to receive a prestigious Research Action Award from the Sax Institute.

Established in 2015, the $5,000 Research Action Award recognises early- to mid-career researchers whose work has had a significant impact on health policy, programs or service delivery.

Professor Smith was commended for his leadership in alcohol harm minimisation research, that has made a huge contribution to alcohol-related advocacy and policy reforms in the NT, which has the highest level of alcohol consumption per capita in Australia.

His work has included significant research capacity building, including in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing, and involved the engagement of a diverse array of stakeholders leading to meaningful alcohol policy and program change in the NT.

Professor Smith is a Deputy Dean Rural and Remote Health NT and Co-Director FHMRI Health Equity Impact Program. Watch a video summarising Professor Smith’s achievements below.