Professor Hopwood has helped diagnose, treat and prevent lysosomal storage disorders.

South Australian Health Minister John Hill is full of praise for his efforts.

"Professor Hopwood leads a team that has worked tirelessly to uncover the genes responsible for these disorders and being awarded the ... medal is further commendation for lifelong work, dedication and determination to find new ways to treat sick children," he said.

Professor Hopwood, who works at the Woman's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide, accepted the award at a presentation in Sydney.

He says it is satisfying that so many children have benefited from his research.

"I think it's what medical research is all about, to get through to a point like this where you actually are giving people a quality of life that most of us are fortunate enough to have."

 
Prof John Hopwood has won the 2009 Florey Medal