Curtin University has congratulated Professor Mary Steen, a leading researcher and educator in midwifery, on being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List, for her outstanding services to midwifery, maternal and familial health research.
Professor Steen joined Curtin in January 2024 as Professor of Midwifery and Discipline Lead in the School of Nursing, and has a joint appointment with King Edward Memorial Hospital and in the Department of Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research (DNAMER). She brings with her more than three decades of experience in clinical practice, education and research.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM said the recognition was a testament to Professor Steen’s impact on maternal and family health and a reflection of Curtin’s ability to attract exceptional talent.
“We are incredibly proud to count Mary among our staff at Curtin. This award is a richly deserved honour recognising her dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of women, babies and families,” Professor Hayne said.
“Mary’s work in midwifery has transformed care practices across the globe and her appointment is further evidence that Curtin attracts some of the brightest and most respected minds in their field.”
Professor Steen said she was both humbled and proud to be recognised with an OBE.
“It is an incredible privilege to receive this award and I hope it helps to further raise awareness of the vital role that midwifery plays in ensuring the health and wellbeing of women, babies and families around the world,” Professor Steen said.
“I am also excited to be continuing this work at Curtin University, where there is a strong commitment to improving health outcomes through collaborative, local, national and international research.”
With 36 years of experience as a registered midwife, Professor Steen has made a significant contribution to advancing midwifery care, maternal well-being, and perinatal health services. Her work spans service development, policy advocacy, education and research, including a patented cooling treatment for perineal trauma after childbirth.
Before joining Curtin, Professor Steen held senior academic roles in the UK, most recently as Head of Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Northumbria. Mary has supervised several PhD and Master students to completion and continues to support current students from a range of health-related disciplines. She has successfully obtained national and international grant funding. She has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed articles, written and contributed to numerous books and holds visiting professorships at several international universities, including in Brazil and Nigeria.
Curtin also congratulated John Curtin Distinguished Professor Igor Bray who has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to physics, mathematics and astronomy education. Professor Bray, from Curtin’s School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, is a world-leader in the field of atomic and molecular collision theory.
Emeritus Professor Peter Howat, from Curtin’s School of Population Health, is also being celebrated after being named a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his significant service to public health education and promotion, and the community. The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement with individuals appointed a Member for service in a particular locality or field.
