CHALMERS ORATION

The annual Chalmers Oration commemorates the work of John Chalmers AC, who was the first Professor of Medicine (1975-1996) at the Flinders Medical Centre and the College of Medicine and Public Health.

Who is John Chalmers

Previous Orators

Watch 2025 Chalmers Oration

2025 Chalmers Oration

Hosted on Thursday 30 October, Flinders Health and Medical Research Building

The College of Medicine and Public Health is thrilled to host Professor Kathryn North AC, to presented “Genomics in Australia: A Decade of Change".

Over the past decade, Australian Genomics has led national efforts to demonstrate the clinical and cost benefits of genomic sequencing, transforming diagnostic processes and supporting its integration into healthcare. This presentation will reflect on its key achievements, global collaborations, and evolution into a national agency from July 2025.

Watch the live recording

Who is John Chalmers?

John has had a significant presence on the medical stage in Australia and internationally, particularly in relation to medical research.

Some of the major positions he has held include President, Australian Society for Medical Research, President, High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia, Chair, Research Committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council, Chair, National Health and Medical Research Council, President, Royal Australasian College of Physicians and President, International Society of Hypertension. He also had a major influence on the development of our medical school and our major teaching hospital, Flinders Medical Centre.

Previous Chalmers Orators

The Chalmers Oration is an annual event hosted by Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health, commemorating the pioneering work of John Chalmers AC, the first Professor of Medicine at the Flinders Medical Centre. Join us as we pay tribute to John's monumental contributions to medical research and his influential leadership roles in various esteemed organisations across Australia.

2025 - Professor Kathryn North AC
2024 - Professor Georgina Long AO
2023 - Ms Leanne Liddle introduced by The Hon. Mark Butler MP (Minister of Health)
2022 - Professor David Isaacs
2021 - Miliwanga Sandy Wurrben and Stuart McGrath
2020 - Professor Nicola Spurrier
2019 - Professor Alex Brown
2018 - Professor Sir Peter Ratcliffe
2017 - Professor Anne Kelso
2016 - Professor Suzanne Cory

2015 - Professor Steve Wesselingh
2014 - Professor Chris Baggoley
2013 - Professor Ian Chubb
2012 - Professor Ian Jacobs
2011 - Professor Pat McGorry
2010 - Dr Tom Calma
2009 - Dr John Deeble
2008 - Professor Fiona Wood
2007 - Professor Tony McMichael
2006 - Professor Sir Michael Marmot

2024 Professor Georgina Long AO

2023 Ms Leanne Liddle introduced by The Hon. Mark Butler MP (Minister of Health)

2021 Miliwanga Sandy Wurrben and Stuart McGrath

2020 Professor Nicola Spurrier

If you're passionate about medical advancements and eager to engage with esteemed speakers in the field, we invite you to join us for a future Chalmers Oration.

For registration inquiries and further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to the College of Medicine and Public Health.