Geoff holds a B.Sc. (Hons) and a Ph.D. (Medicine) from Monash University and over 40 years of experience working in a variety of roles that all revolve around research using animals, Animal Ethics Committees and the essential work they do.
Initially, this was as a medical research scientist during 25 years working on a range of research projects looking at immune regulation, cardiovascular surgery, carcinogenesis, periodontal surgery and paediatric immunology. The use of animal models and all the associated AEC processes were an integral aspect of all that work, which resulted in a close working relationship with each relevant AEC that then led on to my being drafted onto the AEC as a Category B member.
Membership of one or more AEC remained a constant aspect of my work for the remaining 28 years, transitioning from Category B membership, through AEC chair to Category C membership and eventually Category E membership with progressive career changes.
Geoff’s research career ended as a result of being appointed as the CEO of ANZCCART (Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching Ltd.). In this role, he became a resource for anyone working on, with or as a member of an AEC and needing advice or guidance about the scientific use of animals, AEC operations for the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (The Code). As a part of this role, Geoff was responsible for organizing and running an annual conference that focussed on AEC Operations and the Code that grew into a regular source of training and support for AEC members across Australia and New Zealand. During this time, the Code recommended (and now mandated) independent, external triennial review of AEC operations and institutional animal ethics came into force and Geoff took on an active role in the process, chairing over thirty review panels and undertaking a number of individual reviews around Australia over the past 18 years.
Since finishing up after 15 years with ANZCCART, Geoff has been working for the past two years in research administration as an Associate Director of Research Infrastructure at a research-intensive University in NSW. A major part of this role has involved oversight of a number of animal facilities and the Animal Services Unit, including supervision of the construction and commissioning of a new $38M facility. Transferring operations from an aging facility into a brand-new, purpose-built facility was an opportunity to review and update all unit policies and procedures as well as the culture of the team, all of which has helped to result in a top-class team working in a world-class facility.