Geoffrey Donald Thorburn 1930–1996

Abstract

Professor Geoffrey Donald Thorburn AO passed away on 28 October 1996. He graduated in Medicine from the University of Sydney in 1956 and began his scientific career as a cardiovascular-renal physiologist. His career, in which he undertook pioneering research and teaching in many fields of physiology, spanned 35 years and three continents. He is recognised internationally as one of the founders of contemporary fetal physiology research. He was Head of the Department of Physiology at Monash University from 1981 until his retirement in 1995, but continued active research right up until his death. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1995 'for service to medicine and research in the field of fetal physiology'. Geoff was a wonderful mentor and friend to all who were touched by him. He was an outstanding scientist and academic.