Professor Trent is nominated for his outstanding contributions to development of medical genetics in Australia. He has been pivotal to establishment of molecular medicine as a new clinical discipline and of laboratory genetics as a new speciality within the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. His research work has led to introduction of state of the art genetic testing for Australian patients. Moreover, he has played a key role as chair of NHMRC?s two major human genetics committees, in developing guidelines for genetic testing with the Australian Law Reform Commission and in liaising with the community at large.