Phil has been recognized at the national level for his research, teaching and science communication. The Genetics Society of AustralAsia awarded him the MJD White Medal for research excellence in Genetics. Phil was also awarded the Carrick Citation for his ‘exceptional record in the supervision, support and career mentoring of research higher degree students’ and he has been a five time finalist in the Eureka Prize for Public Communication of Science. Phil has organized several major international conferences including the International Congress of Genetics (2003) and a UN Conference on Global Health (2010). He is the current President of the International Genetics Federation.