Going: Prof Geoff Nicholson and research team members at Barwon Health.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Barwon Health has officially announced the departure of its bio-medical research chief, Professor Geoff Nicholson.
The announcement follows an Independent report three weeks ago that he was about to leave after the departure of fellow researcher Associate Prof Mark Kirkland.
The departures were part of Barwon Health research cuts that had left bio-medical studies in limbo, according to Prof Kirkland.
Barwon Health said Prof Nicholson would leave to “take on new research challenges” after an “extensive” 14-month review of research activity.
Corangamite MP Darren Cheeseman said Barwon Health was obviously had some difficult choices.
“But this research is very important and it’s disappointing it would end this way.”
Geelong MP Ian Tresize called on State Government to intervene in the research cuts.
Deakin University School of Medicine head Prof Brendan Crotty said he expected the university’s research activity to increase as the institution worked with Barwon Health on projects.
