Professor Kate Leslie AO FAHMS has been awarded the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Award for Research Excellence for 2025, recognising her outstanding contribution to anaesthesia research and leadership.
The award was presented by Dr Jim Rathmell, Editor-in-Chief of Anesthesiology and Chair of the ASA Committee on Research Excellence, during the ASA annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Addressing a large plenary audience, Dr Rathmell spoke about Professor Leslie’s pioneering role in large multicentre clinical trials, her leadership across medical organisations, and her mentorship of emerging researchers and women in medicine. Dr Rathmell also highlighted that she is one of only six women to receive the award in its 27-year history.
Later in the program, Professor Leslie delivered an inspiring address at the Celebration of Research session about “Gratitude, discovery and connection.” She spoke on her early career, generously supported by mentors at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the University of California, San Francisco, and expressed gratitude to the many collaborators involved in her more than 270 published articles and book chapters.
Speaking on discovery, Professor Leslie highlighted her research into awareness, dreaming, and depth of anaesthesia, including the ANZCA Clinical Trials Network-endorsed B-Aware and Balanced Anaesthesia studies. Professor Leslie concluded by emphasising the importance of connection and participation, sharing the joy she had experienced in her work in medical organisations, journals and the ANZCA CTN.
“I hope that you feel inspired to follow your research interests wherever they lead you, to connect with people and participate at every opportunity, and that you feel grateful – as I do – for being lucky enough to be an anaesthesiologist,” Professor Leslie said.
A citation about Professor Leslie’s achievements, written by Professor David Story, was published in the October 2025 issue of Anesthesiology (Story DA. Anesthesiology 2025; 143 (4): 823–4).
We congratulate Professor Leslie on this prestigious award.
Banner image: Dr Jim Rathmell presenting Professor Kate Leslie with the ASA Award for Research Excellence for 2025 during the ASA annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
