Over three decades in variety of impactful positions and roles, Professor Gita Mishra AO has been working to advance research on women’s health across the life course. 

“[This] takes an integrated approach from early life factors, through the reproductive years, to chronic conditions in later life,” she says. 

“In that time, I have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful and inspiring people, both in Australia and internationally.”

Professor Mishra is National Health and Medical Research Council Leadership Fellow and professor of Life Course Epidemiology at the University of Queensland. She is also the founding director of the university’s Australian Women and Girls’ Health Research Centre, which she says is a ‘leading centre in the field’.

Author of over 500 publications, including 28 book chapters and 24 government reports, she is also ranked in the top 1% of most cited scientists in the field of General Social Science. 

For her remarkable work, Professor Mishra was appointed an Officer of the Order for distinguished service to medical research, particularly life course epidemiology and women’s health, to leadership, and to tertiary education in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours list. 

“This sounds corny but [I’m motivated by] the idea – ever since my time as a PhD student – of research to produce robust statistics that can help improve the health and wellbeing of women and girls, such as through informing clinical guidelines and public policy,” she says. 

“The recognition underlines the importance of not just my research, but of the diverse team at the Centre and the contribution of community representatives that we partner with. 

“An important part of my role as a leader is to help mentor the young researchers and students, and I’m sure this will be something that inspires them in their research journey.” 

Professor Mishra is no stranger to awards, but says her recognition will push her forward even further. 

“I am genuinely surprised and honoured to receive this prestigious award and I am not sure it has fully sunk in yet.

“I have always been enthusiastic about our achievements in women’s health research, but this will undoubtedly give me that extra spring in my step as we go forward with new projects.”