Yesterday, Professor Fran Baum, was recognised nationally with the award of Officer in the General Division (AO), having been cited for “distinguished service to higher education as an academic and public health researcher, as an advocate for improved access to community health care, and to professional organisations”.

Fran’s work as a research informed advocate for the social determinants of health (much of it her own team’s research!) has led her to develop partnerships with leaders across the world committed to making a difference to the poor and underserved. Her textbook, The New Public Health, has transformed thousands of students’ understanding of public health. Fran is the founding Director of our Southgate Institute for Health, Society and Equity and a Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor of our University.