Dr Geoffrey Leonard AM

In recognition of Exceptional Service to HMRI, we acknowledge Dr Geoffrey Leonard AM.

Geoff has a strong and long association with research in the Hunter, accepting an invitation in 1995 to serve as a Board member of the Hunter Medical Research Cooperative. He was one of the Board members who commissioned a business plan for the cooperative that recommended the formation of a high profile research body to be established in the region.

On 2 December 1997, members of the Hunter Medical Research Cooperative voted unanimously to wind up the cooperative. On the 29 January 1998, the first Board meeting of Hunter Medical Research was held. At this meeting, Geoff was appointed as the inaugural Chair.

Geoff served as a Director of HMRI for 11 years from its incorporation on 12 February 1998 until 5 June 2009. He served as Chairman from February 1998 until February 2003.

Geoff played a significant role in the early years of HMRI, advocating for the recognition of the HMRI model of a virtual institute at all levels of government. Under Geoff’s leadership, HMRI came to the attention of the NSW Government, receiving its first triennium of infrastructure funding in April 2000.

Geoff was a passionate advocate for the need for a HMRI Building and took numerous trips to Canberra and Sydney to lay the foundation for capital funding. While doing this he worked with the Board to establish Stage 1 of the HMRI capital works plan with the opening of the HMRI Clinical Research Centre in John Hunter Hospital, in July 2002.

For his unwavering belief, leadership and willingness to support a unique and new model of research, please join me in congratulating Dr Geoffrey Leonard AM.