2024 Alumni Award for Professional Excellence
Doctor of Philosophy, Biology, 2000
Bachelor of Science, 2006
Bridging the gap between academia and the public, Dr Darren Saunders is making evidence-based science accessible to diverse audiences, empowering informed decision-making in an era of misinformation.
A Eureka Prize-winning scientist and communicator, Darren has over 20 years’ academic and industry expertise in cancer biology and neuroscience. He has led multidisciplinary teams in pioneering cancer biology and neurodegeneration research, making significant strides in areas including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, motor neurone disease and Alzheimer’s and paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions and diagnostic approaches.
Widely regarded as an international thought leader in science communication, Darren is a regular commentator on ABC TV’s The Drum and Channel 7’s Daily Edition. Here, he brings the human side of science to broader current affairs discussions on everything from equity and diversity to politics, domestic violence, foreign affairs, public health, masculinity, and more. Educating through evidence and analysis, and without judgement, he is a trailblazer in restoring public trust in science.
Darren was appointed NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer in 2023 and is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney. He is also a vocal champion for gender equity in STEM, driven by an unwavering commitment to social justice.
It is a privilege to present Dr Darren Saunders for the Alumni Award for Professional Excellence.