Prof Peter Schofield
Professor Peter Schofield
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
I have demonstrated expertise in research and academia both as an accomplished researcher and research team leader. I have held continuous NHMRC funding since 1991 including Research Fellowships, Program and Investigator Grants and NIH support since 2007. I have authored over 475 high-impact research publications in leading journals, attracting over 57,500 citations (h=115), was awarded a DSc by UNSW and elected to Fellowship of the Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
I have many years of experience in research and organisational governance with two decades as CEO of Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) transforming the original Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute into NeuRA, one of today’s leading medical research institutes. In steering NeuRA through a period of high-growth and unprecedented change, I built capacity and capability by engaging key senior talent, securing multi-millions in government and philanthropic funding, providing governance and financial management, professionalising business operations and developing mutually beneficial strategic partnerships and joint ventures, and positioning the business for long-term sustainable expansion and renewal.
My organisational leadership and management experience includes the management of the complex stakeholder environments in the health, university and MRI sector through my role as NeuRA CEO; the establishment of, securing $7M ministerial funding, and serving as Co-Interim CEO of the Mindgardens Neuroscience Network to more directly translate research into improved health outcomes; as Interim Director of the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research (NNIDR) developing a coherent vision and strategic plan for the NNIDR and gaining Ministerial approval for four business cases resulting in the creation of funding programs that disbursed $70M for dementia research; at NSW Government’s request consolidating the activities of the Schizophrenia Research Institute within NeuRA, managing stakeholders and establishing a state-wide clinical service for those with complex and treatment-resistant psychosis with South Eastern Sydney LHD.
I have a sustained record of contribution to medical research advocacy and policy development through many roles such as President, Australian Society of Medical Research; Founding Director, Research Australia; Member, Lockhart Legislation Review Committee; Interim Director, NNIDR; Co-Interim CEO, Mindgardens Neuroscience Network; and Director of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI). These roles have included extensive Ministerial and parliamentary engagement (eg Stem Cell Legislation) and appearances at Parliamentary Inquiries.
My contributions have been recognised by appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medical and scientific research in neuroscience and to professional institutions. Throughout my many, frequently concurrent, roles my overarching goal has always been to build collaborative partnerships that will advance research and effectively translate into improved health and wealth of the community.