Community & Business
10 November, 2023
Big honour for ‘country boy’
A LOCAL “Mareeba country boy” has been named the University of Queensland’s (UQ) 2023 Alumnus of the Year for his ongoing dedication to alleviating the suffering of people with neurodegenerative diseases.
Professor George Mellick has always had a passion for helping others, according to his mother Kay, and always wanted to help those who needed it most.
He graduated UQ in 1996 with a PhD in Medicine and has since authored more than 250 research publications, lead research initiatives such as the Queensland Parkinson’s Project, Neurobank and Genetic Epidemiology of Parkinson’s Disease Consortium.
Professor Mellick said a light bulb moment during his Honours research determined the course of his career.
“I had the profound experience of meeting people living with Parkinson’s disease and those who cared for them,” he said.
“I wanted to do my part to improve their lives, and it drove me to dedicating my research towards this end.
“I was always an inquisitive person with a desire to make a difference, but that experience opened my eyes to the wonders of scientific research and the possibilities of putting theory into action.”
Kay said watching her son go above and beyond was something their family was incredibly proud of.
“He is a very special person and he has always been interested in people and helping them,” she said.
“His biggest inspiration, he said to me, was people who have different disadvantages but still carry on and keep going despite their disease.
“He is very approachable, very kind and easy to talk to. He is passionate about Parkinson’s disease and even from a very early age all he wanted to do was help people with neuro degenerative diseases.”
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said Professor Mellick embodied the university’s mission to deliver for the public good.
“It is a pleasure to recognise Professor Mellick for his outstanding contributions and leadership in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and in medical research broadly,” she said.
“He is part of a remarkable cohort of Alumni Award winners this year who are leaders and innovators in fields as diverse as sustainable agriculture, media and the performing arts, access and inclusion for those living with disabilities, and more.
“They are an inspiration and UQ is proud to celebrate their significant contributions to their communities, both locally and globally.”
