The Geelong Clinic’s Professor Michael Berk receives Order of Australia in King’s Birthday 2026 Honours list

10 June 2026

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MEDIA RELEASE
 

Professor Michael Berk, one of Australia’s leading mental health researchers, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours for his service to epidemiology, preventative medicine, mental health and tertiary education.

With more than 1,600 published papers, Professor Berk has helped reshape the way we understand and treat mental illness through significant research, clinical leadership and education.

He has led research into new therapies for bipolar disorder, depression and psychosis, while also advancing understanding of the links between physical and mental health.

The Geelong Clinic has been fortunate to work alongside Prof. Berk for over 25 years, where we have been able to see life-changing impact of his research and clinical practice directly on our patients. He also founded the Mental Health Australia General Clinical Trials Network.

National Manager Mental Health and Healthscope Independence Services Adjunct Associate Professor Steven Bernardi quote: “Prof. Michael Berk’s impact is global and transcends borders, shaping the future of psychiatric care and improving countless lives along the way.”

“We see his life-changing impact every day not only on the patients we treat at The Geelong Clinic, but also across Healthscope’s other mental health facilities thanks to his amazing research and influence in his field.”

“Congratulations to Prof. Berk on this well-deserved recognition – we are privileged to witness your legacy unfold”.

Professor Berk said receiving an AO was a deeply meaningful acknowledgment. “It's recognition of a lifetime's work trying to better the lives of people who struggle with mental health, which remains one of the biggest health burdens in society today,” he said.

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For more information contact media@healthscope.com.au