Leading child and adolescent psychiatrist Professor Valsamma Eapen has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for her outstanding contribution to psychiatry, neurodevelopmental research, child and adolescent mental health, and higher education.
Announced by the Governor-General, the honours List recognises 948 Australians for exceptional service and achievement across medicine, science, education, defence, sport, the arts and community service.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn congratulated the recipients, saying she was pleased to acknowledge Australians who have made significant contributions to the nation.
Professor Eapen, a Scientia Professor at UNSW Sydney and Chair of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, also leads the Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry at South West Sydney Local Health District and directs the BestSTART Child Health Unit.
She is internationally recognised for her work in autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, and early childhood development. She currently serves as President of the International Neuropsychiatric Association and holds key roles in major global research networks, including the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium.
In Australia, she has helped shape national guidelines on autism, ADHD, and early childhood mental health, influencing clinical practice and policy.
Her research leadership includes major initiatives such as STAR-CRE and SPHERE’s Early Life Determinants of Health program, focusing on improving outcomes for children and families.
Over her career, she has secured more than $30 million in research funding and published around 300 scientific papers, establishing her as a leading figure in academic psychiatry.
Born in India and trained across India, the UK, and Australia, she completed advanced training at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London, later earning a PhD from the University of London.
This year’s honours list includes 702 recipients in the General Division, along with military, meritorious, and conspicuous service awards. Formal investiture ceremonies will be held across Australia in the coming months.