West Australian pharmacist’s lifetime of service honoured on national stage

 

1 August 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today recognised Perth pharmacist Emeritus Professor Jeff David Hughes FPS with the 2025 PSA Symbion Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his extraordinary contributions to pharmacy over more than four decades.

 

Widely regarded a pioneer in clinical pharmacy, Professor Hughes led Clinical Pharmacy Services at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for a decade, extending his national leadership as PSA National Vice-President (2015-2016) and Director, and through influential service positions including Chair of SHPA’s Clinical Pharmacy Specialty Practice group and Convenor of the WA Antibiotic Guidelines Review Committee.

 

Joining Curtin University in 1997, Professor Hughes built a distinguished academic career, culminating in his appointment as Head of the School of Pharmacy in 2009. Under his leadership, the School’s research output tripled, higher degree enrolments grew by 60%, and its global ranking rose from below to above global standard. He co-founded the Annual Australasian Clinical Pharmacy Education Seminars and secured over $14 million in research funding, with 176 refereed publications and collaborations across Australia, the UK, and Malaysia.

 

A visionary in digital health, Professor Hughes co-developed pain assessment tool PainChek, which has delivered over 7 million assessments across four countries. His ongoing projects include innovations in cardiovascular diagnostics and cancer risk research.

 

Professor Hughes’s career is defined by sustained excellence, innovation, and mentorship. His legacy continues to shape the future of pharmacy in Australia and beyond.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim praised Professor Hughes’s enduring impact on the profession.

 

“Emeritus Professor Jeff Hughes has dedicated his life to pushing our profession forward, trailblazing across areas of pharmacy practice. His leadership, innovation, and generous mentorship have shaped generations of pharmacists and advanced the profession in ways few others have.

 

“Jeff’s work in clinical pharmacy, education, and digital health continues to inspire many, with his career a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to patient care that defines our profession.

 

“On behalf of PSA and the pharmacy community, I extend our congratulations to Jeff. We are honoured to celebrate his legacy and look forward to supporting his continued contributions to pharmacy,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

PSA thanks Symbion for their continued support of the national PSA Excellence Awards.

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au