Posted: 9 July 2024
After an extensive global search, Professor Peter van Wijngaarden has been named as the next Director and CEO of The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.
Board Chair Mr Martin Adams said Professor van Wijngaarden is an outstanding leader and an experienced clinician researcher who will take The Florey’s work to the world stage.
“On behalf of the Board, I warmly welcome Peter to The Florey. As the largest brain research centre in the Southern Hemisphere, The Florey is home to remarkably talented people committed to advancing neuroscience and mental health research. Peter is exceptionally well-placed to take The Florey’s impact to the next level.”
Professor van Wijngaarden said he was looking forward to taking up his new role next month.
“I am honoured to be joining The Florey as its new Director and excited to be working with scientists who are leading the world in making fundamental discoveries in neuroscience and improving diagnostics and treatments for an impressive range of mental health and brain-related conditions,” Professor van Wijngaarden said.
“The Florey has an incredible reputation and I look forward to building on that impressive legacy,” he said.
Mr Adams thanked retiring Director Professor Trevor Kilpatrick for his leadership and commitment to the organisation.
“Trevor has done an outstanding job leading The Florey through a period of important structural changes, which have positioned us to continue to make significant scientific breakthroughs with our partners. I’m confident that Peter will build upon these efforts.”
Professor Kilpatrick said he was proud to have served The Florey as its sixth Director.
“I’m delighted that Professor van Wijngaarden has accepted this appointment,” Professor Kilpatrick said.
“I have known Peter since his return from Cambridge where he undertook research in regenerative neuroscience with my long-term friend and colleague Professor Robin Franklin.
“Since then, Peter has had a stellar career as a clinician scientist, administrator and entrepreneur. He is ideally placed to lead The Florey in the next phase of its journey as a world-leading neuroscience and mental health-oriented research institute.”
Peter is Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Melbourne and has served as Deputy Director at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA).
His research interests include retinal imaging, artificial intelligence, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
