Wounds Australia Ambassador and Life Member Professor Fiona Wood AO has received one of the world's most prestigious scientific honours, the Royal Society's 2026 Royal Medal.

Professor Wood was awarded the Royal Medal (Applied) for her pioneering work resulting in the invention of spray-on skin, an innovation that has transformed burns treatment and the lives of patients globally.

One of only three Royal Medals awarded each year, the honour recognises outstanding contributions to the advancement of science. The medals, also known as the King's Medals, are awarded annually by the Sovereign on the recommendation of the Council of the Royal Society.

First awarded in 1826 after being established by King George IV, the Royal Medals have a remarkable history. Previous recipients include some of the world's most influential scientists, including Michael Faraday, Charles Darwin, Ernest Rutherford, Dorothy Hodgkin and Francis Crick.

Professor Wood joins Canadian biophysicist Professor Lewis Kay and British atmospheric scientist Professor John Pyle as the three recipients of the Royal Medals in 2026.

A lasting contribution to burns care

Professor Wood is internationally recognised for her work in burns medicine and research and for the development of spray-on skin technology.

Her work has helped transform burns treatment and reflects a career-long focus on improving healing and outcomes for people affected by burn injury.

The Royal Society recognised Professor Wood for the global impact of her pioneering work on the lives of burns patients. We are proud to count Professor Wood among our Life Members, an honour recognising individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to wound care and Wounds Australia.

Wounds Australia CEO Jeff Antcliff congratulated Professor Wood on the achievement.

"On behalf of Wounds Australia, I congratulate Fiona on this extraordinary and well-deserved honour," Mr Antcliff said.

"Her pioneering work has transformed burns care and improved the lives of people around the world, while her ongoing commitment to research and better patient outcomes continues to inspire the wound care community.

"We are immensely proud to have Fiona as a Life Member of Wounds Australia and to see her remarkable contribution recognised with one of the world's most prestigious scientific honours."

The Royal Medal adds to a long list of honours recognising Professor Wood's contribution to medicine, research and burns care.