Sax Institute Board members recognised in Australia Day 2026 Honours

Two members of the Sax Institute Board community have been recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours, acknowledging their significant contributions to research, public health and Australian cultural life.

Emeritus Professor Bruce Konrad Armstrong has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for ‘eminent service to medical research, to environmental and genetic cancer epidemiology, to screening service development, to academia, and to public health administration’.

Ms Kim Anderson has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for ‘significant service to literature, and to the publishing industry’.

Emeritus Professor Bruce Armstrong AC: Foundational leadership

Professor Armstrong was a key figure in the establishment of the Sax Institute, which was founded in 2002 as the Institute for Health Research. He brought deep expertise in epidemiology and population health to the Institute’s early development and helped shape its research vision and governance foundations. He went on to serve as Founding Chair of the Sax Institute Board, providing leadership and strategic direction during its formative years.

Professor Armstrong was also closely involved in the early development of what would become the 45 and Up Study. Originally conceived as the ‘NSW Healthy Generation Cohort’, the study has since grown into one of the largest longitudinal cohort studies in the Southern Hemisphere. Professor Armstrong served as the first Chair of the Study’s Steering Group, helping guide its scientific foundations and governance arrangements.

His influence across public health research, cancer epidemiology and population health has extended well beyond the Sax Institute, and it is fitting to see this body of work recognised at the highest national level.

Ms Kim Anderson AM: Governance and contribution

Ms Anderson first served as a Sax Institute director from 2006 to 2010 and rejoined the Board in 2017. Her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia recognises her significant service to literature and the publishing industry.

Through her strategic guidance and commitment to strengthening Sax’s profile and impact, she has made an invaluable contribution to the organisation’s growth, direction and culture.

National recognition

Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin McNamara said the honours were a welcome acknowledgment of both individuals’ long-standing contributions.

“Bruce’s leadership in the early years of the Institute, including his role in establishing the 45 and Up Study, has had a lasting impact on public health research in Australia. Kim’s governance experience and strategic insight continue to strengthen the Institute over two decades later. We are delighted to see their contributions recognised in this way,” says Dr McNamara.

The full Australia Day 2026 Honours list is available on the Governor-General’s website:
https://www.gg.gov.au/australia-day-2026-honours-list