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The award recognises Professor McCluskey’s extensive individual contributions to the biomedical research sector and the community in a career spanning nearly 30 years.

Among his list of achievements, Professor McCluskey was instrumental in the conception, construction and development of the Doherty Institute.

Professor McCluskey is a consultant immunologist for the Red Cross LifeBlood, Victorian Transplantation and Immunogenetics Service, and he led the team that established the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program. The Program is focused on developing Indigenous leadership to effect social change through reducing social disadvantage.

For the past 13 years, Professor McCluskey was the University of Melbourne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), providing academic leadership across the University with overall responsibility for research strategy.

University of Melbourne Vice Chancellor Duncan Maskell said he was delighted that Professor McCluskey has been recognised by the Committee for Melbourne.

“This award is much deserved recognition for Professor McCluskey,” said Professor Maskell.

“He has dedicated his life to medical research, leading to health outcomes that have changed the lives of people around the world.

“On a personal level, Professor McCluskey is someone with whom I have worked with very closely for almost six years. He is a person of the highest integrity, whose advice and judgement I have always relied on. I can’t think of anyone more appropriate to receive this award.”

University of Melbourne Laureate Professor Sharon Lewin, Director of the Doherty Institute, said Professor McCluskey was a worthy recipient of the award.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Jim McCluskey for the last 10 years, collaborating on many projects including the Doherty Institute, AIID and the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics. I think what impresses me is his ability to think 10 steps ahead of everyone else in the room and his ability to deal with complexity,” said Professor Lewin.

“This award is a testament to Jim’s dedication and hard work. It’s wonderful to see him being acknowledged with this prestigious Award.”

Professor McCluskey said he was humbled to receive the 2024 Melbourne Achiever Award.

“I have a passion for delivering innovation and setting up our health and other sectors to be able to achieve exceptional research outcomes,” said Professor McCluskey.

“I have been privileged to work with organisations and highly supportive people who also have a drive and passion for the health industry, which has resulted in outcomes like the Doherty Institute.

“I have always explored ways that innovation and research can be developed and implemented collaboratively across the private, government and research sectors. I look forward to continuing to work with great people and organisations to contribute to Melbourne and Australia’s future.”

Each year, Committee for Melbourne recognises the outstanding achievements of one individual and one organisation by presenting them with the Melbourne Achiever Award. The Melbourne Achiever Awards celebrate contributions to Melbourne that will leave a lasting legacy.

This article was adapted from an original article by the University of Melbourne.