Dementia pioneer named 2026 Senior Australian of the Year

Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty honoured for transforming dementia care, while distinguished quantum physicist Michelle Simmons leads the list of UNSW Sydney recipients of the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty AO was named Senior Australian of the Year, recognising his lifetime’s work to treat and prevent dementia.

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the founder of UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing had changed the way we address Australia’s ageing population.

“Over 430,000 Australians are currently living with dementia and Professor Brodaty's work is making a vital difference to their lives,” he said.

Prof. Brodaty, 78, developed the Maintain Your Brain trial, a series of straightforward, cost-effective and targeted interventions which demonstrated that it’s possible to delay onset and even prevent dementia.

He said he wanted the award to bring attention to the ageing crisis facing Australia.

“Look, we can't deny it - dementia is a national health priority," he said, accepting the award in Canberra.

“We have a vision at the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at UNSW, and our vision is to live our life with good cognitive health for our full lifespan.”

Prof. Brodaty said he’s hopeful about the future of dementia care, but that there needs to be a change in Australia’s approach to treating cognitive decline.

“People think more about their hair than what’s underneath. We should treasure our brains, just as we have our hearts,” he said.

“Australia has a proud record of prevention – smoking, skin cancer, and lots of other examples. It’s a ‘yes-brainer’.

“Australians would benefit from a national healthy brain promotion program – we need the Slip, Slop, Slap of brain health. The earlier we start, the better.”

He said implementing the Maintain Your Brain program nationwide would bring measurable benefits to Australia’s health, social and economic wellbeing.

“Over four decades, we have moved from hopeless to hope, from stigma to science. And I’m proud to have been part of this transformation. There’s so much we can do, there’s so much we must do.”

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs congratulated Prof. Henry Brodaty on his achievement.

“Professor Brodaty’s work exemplifies UNSW’s purpose of progress for all, advancing healthy lives through research that improves wellbeing, addresses health inequity and delivers real-world impact for communities in Australia and globally," Prof. Brungs said.

“The whole UNSW community celebrates with him.”

UNSW community shines in Australia Day Honours

UNSW academics and alumni have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours, acknowledging their outstanding achievements and contributions across a broad range of fields.

Scientia Professor Michelle Simmons has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to quantum physics and nanotechnology, technology innovation and STEM education. She is one of just 10 Australians to receive the coveted title this year.

"Being Australian is a gift. Being recognised by Australia is an even greater gift," Prof. Simmons said.

"I am truly humbled and grateful to be appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. From the earliest days of my career exploring quantum physics to leading teams pioneering atomic-scale technology in silicon, my work has always been driven by curiosity, collaboration and the belief that Australia can be a global leader in science and innovation."

Prof. Simmons is also the Founder and CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing and Director of the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology. In 2018 she was named Australian of the Year, one of the nation’s most prestigious honours.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs congratulated all members of the UNSW community who were recognised.

“The Australia Day honours celebrate individuals whose dedication, leadership and service have made a meaningful difference to the lives of others. Their contributions reflect the very best of UNSW’s commitment to excellence, impact and progress for all here in Australia and beyond.

“We are particularly delighted that Scientia Professor Michelle Simmons has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. Michelle’s groundbreaking work in quantum physics, her research excellence and her global influence are a source of immense pride for UNSW.”

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, congratulated the 949 Honours recipients.

“The qualities and accomplishments of this year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care,” she said.

“As the list so vividly showcases, so many Australians continue to give the best of themselves across many endeavours, in the interest of others.”

A list of Australia Day Honours received by members of the UNSW community can be found below.

The full list of recipients is on the Governor-General’s website.