Congratulations to MACSYS Chief Investigator Jennifer Flegg (pictured on left) for recently being awarded the EO Tuck Medal at the annual Australia and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ANZIAM) Conference.

ANZIAM awards the EO Tuck Medal to mid-career researchers in recognition of outstanding contributions and service to applied mathematics.

“I know the calibre of people that have been awarded this medal in the past, so I’m incredibly honoured,” she said.

Flegg emphasised that the recognition is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the contributions of her students and collaborators. “This award is a reflection of many amazing students and collaborators that I’ve had the privilege to work with,” she said.

Flegg is a Professor of Applied Mathematics at The University of Melbourne and a leading expert in mathematical biology. Her research focuses on developing mathematical models to answer complex questions in biology and medicine. Her research has advanced understanding in key areas such as wound healing, tumour growth, and infectious disease epidemiology.

Flegg’s research leverages mathematical models to explore biological phenomena, helping to fill critical knowledge gaps.

“I try to use mathematics and statistics to help answer questions in biology that would be difficult, or impossible, to answer otherwise,” she explained. “For example, I use mathematical models to describe and help understand the ways that cells and chemicals interact with each other during the healing of a skin wound. In other work, I develop predictive models in space and time for the level of malaria drug resistance, filling in the gaps where no information is available.”

Her passion for mathematical biology took hold early in her academic journey.

“I was drawn into mathematical biology before I had finished my undergraduate degree. Looking back, I think it was the sense that the mathematics I was doing could have real-world impact that drew me into the area of research.”

Beyond her research, the EO Tuck Medal also recognises Flegg for her dedication to the applied mathematics community.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have been well supported by family, collaborators, and mentors throughout my career. Being able to give back to those who may not have been so well supported, for whatever reason, is very important to me.”

In 2020, Flegg was awarded with two prestigious medals honouring early career research excellence in mathematics, the JH Michell Award from ANZIAM and the Christopher Heyde Medal from the Australian Academy of Science. In 2021, The Society for Mathematical Biology awarded Flegg the Leah Edelstein-Keshet Prize. That prize recognises a woman with a demonstrated track record of exceptional scientific contributions to mathematical biology.

ANZIAM awarded Flegg the EO Tuck Medal at its 2025 conference held this year in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. The award now solidifies Flegg’s status as a leading figure in applied mathematics and highlights her invaluable contributions to both research and mentorship in the field.

FEATURE IMAGE:  Prof Jennifer Flegg (left) holding EO Tuck Medal with MACSYS Deputy Directors Prof Mat Simpson and Prof Adelle Coster at 2025 ANZIAM Conference