Introducing the New Chair of SPHERE Council: Professor Rod McClure

Maridulu Budyari Gumal, the Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE) is excited to announce the appointment of Professor Rod McClure as the new Chair of the SPHERE Council. Professor McClure is a distinguished leader in the fields of higher education, health, and research, bringing an extensive background and a wealth of experience to this role.

“Following on from the stewardship of our previous chairs, Ian Jacobs and Amanda Larkin during SPHERE’s induction and re-accreditation, Rod’s appointment brings the right blend of experience and clinical-academic oversight our Research Translation Centre needs at this time,” says SPHERE Executive Director, Professor Chris White.

Professor McClure's career spans significant roles across the higher education, government, and industry sectors including Division Director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Dean of Medicine and Health at the University of New England, where he played a crucial role in the operations of the Rural Health Partners RTC in Newcastle.

Currently serving as the Dean of the School of Medicine and Pro-Vice Chancellor Health Futures at Western Sydney University (WSU), Professor McClure is committed to the vision and purpose of SPHERE.

“I am honoured to be serving Maridulu Budyari Gumal - Sydney Partnership for Health Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE) as the new Council Chair.  SPHERE has a clarity of purpose that focuses collaborative effort, and a clear road map for translating health research to improved community health outcomes. I am looking forward to being part of a team that brings innovation to life,” says Professor McClure.