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John Studdy Award
History
In 1979 John Studdy, a prominent Sydney accounting firm partner and company director, was appointed Chairman of National Multiple Sclerosis Society Australia (NMSSA) and thus begun a long period of growth for the Society. John was requested to stand for the presidency by the then President of MS International, Jim Wolfensohn and Sir Louis Pyke. Wolfensohn was a US based Australian investment banker who subsequently went on to be President of the World Bank. John finally retired as Chairman in November 1997.
During the mid late 1970's period, NMSSA started a real focus on research with the formation of the National Multiple Sclerosis Research Foundation and a Medical Research Advisory Board (MRAB) which recommended the funding of MS research projects using a peer review process for each project.
In 1977, NMSSA established a Research Fund under the control of the national Society and a panel of researches. Six years later this became the National MS Research Foundation (NMSRF) and in 2004, MS Research Australia (MSRA).
One of NMSRF's early major projects was a nationwide MS epidemiological study conducted in 1984. This was the first study to show the increase in frequency of MS with increasing latitude in Australia, usually referred to as the MS Latitude gradient effect. It confirmed the gradient pattern found in the northern hemisphere also existed in the southern hemisphere.
After a year of discussion, in April 1999 NMSSA changed its name to Multiple Sclerosis Australia (MSA) as part of the modernising of the organisations image. A national magazine, MS Life, was launched in October the same year, bringing a consistent voice for people with MS across the country.
That year, the John Studdy Award was established to acknowledge Studdy's many contributions to the MS cause in Australia. This annual award, MSA's highest honour is given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the MS movement in Australia.
Criteria for Award
The John Studdy Award is Multiple Sclerosis Australia’s most prestigious Award, given annually, in recognition of outstanding consistent and selfless provision of meritorious service to people living with MS, at either National or State/Territory level, preferably over a period in excess of ten years or for other factors considered by the committee as worthy of the award. The standard of the service is to be of such high-status that ‘the nominee has made, or is making, a tangible difference’ for the benefit of people living with MS and/or their families or carers.
Employees of Multiple Sclerosis Australia and its members are not entitled to receive this award.
Presentation of the Award
The award is presented by or in the name of the President of Multiple Sclerosis Australia at the Annual General Meeting or at an appropriate national event.
Calling for Nominations
Nominations will be called for each July by the Company Secretary of Multiple Sclerosis Australia and will close on 31st August. Board Members, Presidents, Boards and CEO’s of members and the community are entitled to nominate suitable candidates.
Nominations should include full written details of the scope of the service giving reasons for nomination and may include referees, or supporting documentation.
Assessment of Nominations
Nominations will be considered by an Awards Committee, consisting of three Directors of Multiple Sclerosis Australia, who will assess the nominations and make a recommendation to the Board for the presentation of the award. If no suitable nominations are received, no award is given.
• Noted that Employees of Multiple Sclerosis Australia and its members are not entitled to receive
The John Studdy award
