Global Radiation Safety Leader Honoured with Launceston Grammar’s Highest Alumni Award

Dr Gillian Hirth AO, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), has been awarded the prestigious Launceston Church Grammar School Peter Sculthorpe Alumnus of the Year 2025. 

The Award honours a member of the Launceston Grammar alumni community who has made a remarkable contribution in their chosen field(s) of endeavour. Named in honour of the renowned Australian composer and fellow alumnus, Peter Sculthorpe, the Award was created in 2015 by fellow alumni, Ross Youngman and John Ferrall. 

Born and raised in Launceston, Dr Hirth attended Launceston Grammar from Grades 7-12 (1986-1991). She was awarded a PhD in environmental radiochemistry in 1999 and conducted postdoctoral research on radionuclide transport in the environment. From 2003 to 2010, she worked with the Australian Defence Organisation managing hazardous materials radiation sources, nuclear materials, and radioactive waste. 

Joining ARPANSA in 2010, Dr Hirth led projects on radionuclide levels in wildlife and contributed to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) assessment of radiation exposure following the 2011 Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear accident. In March 2022 she was appointed Chief Executive Office of ARPANSA. 

Dr Hirth is Australia’s representative to UNSCEAR, having chaired it from 2019 to 2022. She also serves on committees of international radiation safety bodies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency and the International Commission on Radiological Protection. 

In 2024 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to environmental science and radiation safety. 

Launceston Grammar Principal, Mr Dale Bennett presented the Award to Dr Hirth at a series of special school assemblies held at the junior and senior campuses, with Dr Hirth providing students with a remarkable insight into her public life in international politics and work with the United Nations. 

“It is with immense pride that we honour Dr Gillian Hirth as the Peter Sculthorpe Alumnus of the Year recipient for 2025. Her leadership in radiation safety, at both a national and international level, and her commitment to evidence-based public service are an inspiration to our entire school community,” Mr Bennett said. 

“I am very honoured to receive the 2025 Peter Sculthorpe alumnus award. It’s timely to be sharing my story with students during National Science Week and I hope my journey can help inspire the next generation of STEAM leaders. Launceston Grammar built a strong foundation for my learning pathway and it is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of previous eminent alumni who have received this honour,” Dr Hirth said.

Dr Hirth joins a prestigious group of Award recipients, including luminaries such as last year’s honouree, the late Sir Guy Green AC, KBO, CVO, cricketing legend David Boon MBE, former Australian diplomat Stephen FitzGerald AO, the late Professor Derek Denton AC, Professor Elizabeth Blackburn AC, and journalist Indira Naidoo.