Medical Education

The Foundation is committed to improving health outcomes through medical education.

The Foundation provides scholarships and awards for medical students and individuals pursuing further education in medical research and vocation, with a focus on providing opportunities to disadvantaged sectors of the community.

Humanitarian Medical Scholarship 

The John James Foundation provides a scholarship for a refugee or disadvantaged non-resident to study medicine at the Australian National University in Canberra. The scholarship provides financial assistance to an individual who meets the selection criteria and is not eligible for Government assistance, with a focus on providing an opportunity for an individual who has overcome significant challenges in the pursuit of medical education.  The scholarship was established in partnership with the ANU in 2022.

ANU Indigenous Medical Scholarships

The Foundation provides three scholarships for an Indigenous medical student at the ANU Medical School.  The scholarship was first awarded in 2012 and has seen a number of graduates return to Indigenous communities to provide improved health services in remote regions.  The scholarships are valued at more than $100,000 over the course of the degree.

Tony Ayers Prize for Excellence in Research in Translational Medicine

Introduced in 2014, the $15,000 Tony Ayers Prize is awarded annually to a researcher at ANU’s College of Medicine and Psychology. It recognises a scientist who has made a significant contribution to translational research, moving from ‘bench to bedside’ to transform science breakthroughs into clinical application. The award is named in honour of long serving John James Hospital and Foundation Board Member Mr Tony Ayers AC who died in April 2016. The winner is also invited to present a public lecture at the award ceremony.

Tony Ayers Prize

Professor Robyn Lucas, the head of the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University is a previous recipient of the Tony Ayers Prize for translational research.

Professor Lucas presented a public lecture detailing the evidence of her work into the beneficial effects of vitamin D for sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis – ‘Shining a Light on Multiple Sclerosis’. Clinical trials based on Professor Lucas’ work followed in the pursuit of therapies designed reduce the risk of developing MS.