ProfessorMary Collins

BSc (Hon) PhD FRACI, FASCEPT

Professor Mary Collins Chebib is a distinguished senior academic leader at the University of Sydney, currently serving as Interim Associate Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Medicine and Health, following her role as Head of the School of Medical Sciences. Her leadership portfolio encompasses strategic research development, academic mentorship, and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration across multiple STEM faculties, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of biomedical researchers.

Renowned for her pioneering work in neuropharmacology, Professor Chebib’s research centres on Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channels, with a particular focus on GABA_A and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. She is nationally and internationally recognized as a leading GABA_A receptor pharmacologist, evidenced by her editorial appointments with high-impact international journals and frequent invitations to present at major scientific conferences.

Professor Chebib has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals, collectively cited more than 5,500 times. Her research excellence has been supported by competitive funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Australian Research Council, and industry partners, with total grant income exceeding $12 million.

A dedicated mentor and educator, she has successfully supervised 16 PhD candidates and 2 Master's students, many of whom have gone on to prominent roles in academia, international research institutions, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Among her 41 Honours students, 7 have received the prestigious University Medal, and 34 graduated with First Class Honours.