Former Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer and past director of The John Curtin School of Medical Research Professor Judith Whitworth has won the 2010 Curtin Medal. Professor Whitworth's research in the laboratory overturned conventional dogma on how anti-inflammatory steroid hormones raise blood pressure and has set the scene for development of safer and more effective medications. On top of this her research in the clinic has helped in slowing progression of chronic kidney disease and improving management of blood pressure world wide. Finally her research into policy has heightened awareness of the need for research and evidence in formulation of health policy as well as health practice.