The Neil Hamilton Fairley Medal

Nominations closed.

The RACP awards the Neil Hamilton Fairley Medal every 5 years to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the field of medicine. The medal is presented at the RACP College Ceremony, and the recipient may be invited to present as part of the RACP Congress program.

The Neil Hamilton Fairley Medal honours the internationally renowned work of esteemed Australian physician, Brigadier Sir Neil Hamilton Fairley KBE CStJ FRACP FRCP FRCPE FRS. Sir Neil Hamilton Fairley is remembered as a visionary whose knowledge and persistence led to numerous vital contributions in medicine. The RACP established the award in 1969 with the generosity of Lady Mary Hamilton Fairley.

A special award was presented in 2018 to Professor Alan Mackay-Sim by the Royal College of Physicians in London as part of their 500th Anniversary celebration. Alan was also recognised as Australian of the Year in 2017.


A photograph of Sam Berkovic.

Professor Sam Berkovic AC, MD, FAA, FRACP, FAHMS, FRS | 2025 recipient

Professor Berkovic is Laureate Professor in the Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, and Director of the Epilepsy Research Centre at Austin Health. He is a world leading contributor in the field of epilepsy research, most notably in epilepsy genetics.

Professor Berkovic’s contributions have been made across the fields of both clinical medicine and research, as he is a brilliant clinician-researcher and his interest in clinical medicine and patient care has driven his intellectual curiosity, which in turn has resulted in many of his groundbreaking discoveries.

Through Professor Berkovic’s research, which has had global impact, there is now a much clearer understanding of the underlying genetic factors which contribute to this common disabling neurological disorder. The translational outcomes of his work include major impacts on precision diagnosis, accurate genetic counselling, optimising treatment and outcomes and precision genetic therapies. He has been involved in global research collaborations and is the head of a world leading epilepsy research centre in Melbourne, Victoria.

Professor Berkovic is acknowledged internationally for his contributions. He is a leader in his field and is held in high esteem across the world for his work. This has been reflected in the many national and international rewards that he has already received. 

See our past Neil Hamilton Fairley Medal recipients.


Eligibility

A nominee:

  • can be an RACP Fellow or a non-member
  • must be nominated by an RACP Fellow
  • cannot self-nominate

Nominate

Read the Terms and Conditions for College meritorious awards and prizes by nomination

Submit a nomination in PDF format to foundation@racp.edu.au, including:

  • a nomination form that addresses the selection criteria and includes a statement of support
  • a full CV, reprints or other documentary evidence for the nominee. CVs longer than 7 pages must be accompanied by an executive summary
  • 2 letters of support addressing the selection criteria 

Selection criteria

The nominator must:

  • express appreciation of contributions made by the nominee and evaluate how these have positively impacted the field of medicine
  • provide details of noted contributions and specify whether are in the field of research, teaching or clinical medicine
  • specify the standing of the nominee in his or her branch of medicine

The Grants Advisory Committee considers:

  • the contributions made by the nominee in relation to those of others — an essential part of the nomination
  • whether the work has a strong and direct influence on the field of medicine
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