2025 AIMS Merit Award Recipient – Deborah Howe
The Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) is proud to recognise Deborah Howe as the recipient of the 2025 AIMS Merit Award, honouring her outstanding and sustained contribution to both the profession and the Association.
The AIMS Merit Award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the Institute at a national, branch, or divisional level, or who have made a meaningful contribution to the advancement of medical laboratory science. Deborah exemplifies these qualities through a career spanning more than four decades.
Deborah’s journey with AIMS began in 1984 as a student representative — the foundation of what would become a remarkable and enduring commitment to AIMS. Over the past 40 years, she has played a pivotal role within the SA/NT Branch, holding every committee position including Treasurer, Secretary, Vice Chair, and currently serving as Chairperson. Her dedication has provided continuity, leadership, and support to generations of members.
Beyond her service to AIMS, Deborah has made a profound impact as an educator, helping shape the next generation of medical laboratory scientists. With more than 25 years of teaching experience across institutions including TAFE SA, Flinders University, and University of South Australia, she has contributed extensively to laboratory medicine education through both classroom teaching and practical laboratory training.
Her professional experience spans public and private pathology laboratories across metropolitan and regional settings, as well as international experience through a locum placement in the United Kingdom. This breadth of experience has informed both her teaching and leadership within the profession.
A contribution was Deborah’s role in helping re-establish the SA/NT Branch of AIMS during a period of inactivity. Alongside colleagues, she helped rebuild the Branch, ensuring continued support, engagement, and representation for members across the region.
Reflecting on her longstanding involvement with AIMS, Deborah shared:
“I have had a longstanding association with AIMS — in fact, my whole career. I believe it is important as a member to contribute to the profession by sharing your knowledge and experience. AIMS is also a great place to meet fellow scientists and network at events. This helps increase your skills and keeps you up to date with the regular changes in our profession.”
Deborah also encouraged members to recognise the often-unseen contributions made by colleagues across the profession:
“I would encourage members to consider nominating those scientists supporting AIMS and the profession. The quiet achievers organising meetings and events, presenting case studies and seminars, and supporting education all help medical scientists maintain high professional standards while educating both new and experienced scientists. Please think about acknowledging and thanking those hard-working individuals.”
Deborah Howe’s career is defined by service, leadership, mentorship, and a genuine commitment to advancing medical laboratory science. Her impact is reflected not only in the strength of the AIMS community with SA/NT Branch, but also in the many professionals she has supported and inspired throughout her career.
AIMS is honoured to recognise Deborah Howe as the 2025 Merit Award recipient and sincerely thanks her for her exceptional contribution to the profession.
Chair, Deborah Howe with Vice Chair Dianne Zurcher, SA/NT Branch
Call for Nominations – 2026 AIMS Merit Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 AIMS Merit Awards.
Members are encouraged to recognise and celebrate colleagues who make a meaningful contribution to the profession, their workplace, and the AIMS community. Whether through leadership, education, mentoring, organising events, presenting seminars, or supporting fellow scientists, these contributions help strengthen and advance the profession across Australia.
Nominate a deserving colleague today and help acknowledge the people making a difference behind the scenes.
AIMS Merit Award Nomination and Guidelines 2026