John Hearn

Professor John Hearn is an Emeritus Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, serving as Professor of Physiology in the School of Medical Sciences. A graduate of University College Dublin with a first-class honours BSc and MSc in Zoology, and the Australian National University with a PhD, he built an illustrious career across global institutions. He held senior executive positions for seven years each at the Universities of Sydney, Australian National University, Wisconsin-Madison, University College London, and Edinburgh. Key appointments include Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) at Sydney from 2004 to 2013, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at ANU from 2000 to 2004, Director of the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center from 1990 to 1996, and Director of Science at the Zoological Society of London from 1980 to 1987. Internationally, he led as Executive Director of the Worldwide Universities Network from 2009 to 2018 and Chairman of the Australia Africa Universities Network, while founding and chairing the Sydney Confucius Institute. He advised governments including Australia, Sweden, and Britain, as well as agencies like the WHO and OECD, and served on boards such as the Australian Biotechnology Advisory Council and Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.

His research specializations encompass reproductive physiology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, biotechnology, and applications to biomedicine and conservation, involving species such as primates, kangaroos, pandas, Xenopus, and salmon. Professor Hearn authored over 210 research papers and edited six books, alongside 300 publications and 11 books noted in academic profiles. He taught human biology and advanced physiology to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Major awards and honors include Doctor of Science honoris causa from University College Dublin in 2015, Scientific Medal of the Zoological Society of London, Osman Hill Medal of the Primate Society of Great Britain, and Australian Centenary Medal for service to science and government. He was elected President of the International Primatological Society from 1984 to 1988 and President of the Society for Reproductive Biology from 2001 to 2004, earning Life Fellow status with the latter. His contributions extended to committee roles in international research networks and capacity development programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Professional Email: john.hearn@sydney.edu.au