Now in its 17th year, the Western Australian Science Hall of Fame recognises exceptional lifelong contributions of individuals leading who are pre-eminent in their field in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) sector.
This year, 2 outstanding members of the STEM sector have been inducted to the Western Australian Science Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Winthrop Professor Fiona Wood AO and Professor Peter Quinn.
Winthrop Professor Fiona Wood AO
Winthrop Professor Fiona Wood AO FAHMS has established herself as a pioneer and world-leading burns specialist and researcher, with a career marked by significant advancements in medical science. In 1991, as WA's first female plastic surgeon and the Director of the Burn Service of Western Australia (BSWA), she dedicated her efforts to improving outcomes for burn patients and expanding the scientific knowledge of burn healing.
Professor Wood co-invented and commercialised ReCell®, a pioneering tissue engineered cell-based therapy (spray-on skin) now used worldwide. The intellectual property for ReCell® has been vested to the Fiona Wood Foundation (FWF), which has sustained burn research in WA for over 25 years. With a publication count of 402 (cited 8,446 times) as of April 2024, Professor Wood is ranked 4th internationally from 30,000 burns experts and continues to drive the frontiers of scientific knowledge striving for clinical excellence.
In 2002, Professor Wood’s expertise was pivotal in crafting a comprehensive National Burns Disaster response plan endorsed by the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council. This plan was activated in response to the Bali Bombings, with Professor Wood leading the medical team at Royal Perth Hospital.
Professor Wood was awarded Australian of the Year in 2005 and was recognised as the prestigious Officer of the Order of Australia in 2024. Professor Wood has been a Patron or Ambassador for more than 50 community organisations and advocates for health literacy, first aid, injury prevention, science, medicine, research and innovation in our society.
