Professor Geoff McColl appointed Independent Chair
SPHERE is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Geoff McColl as its new Independent Chair, bringing extensive experience in health, medical education, research and senior leadership to the organisation.
Professor McColl is a physician, rheumatologist and medical educator who has held senior leadership positions across some of Australia’s leading universities and health organisations. He was Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at The University of Queensland from 2018 to 2024 and previously served as Head of the Melbourne Medical School at the University of Melbourne.
He is currently President of the Australian Medical Council and Chair of the National Ageing Research Institute, as well as Emeritus Professor at The University of Queensland. His career has also included significant involvement in health policy, medical accreditation, research translation and governance, including membership of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and leadership roles with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and Australian Medical Council.
SPHERE Executive Director, Professor Julie White, welcomed Professor McColl’s appointment, highlighting the breadth of experience he brings across healthcare, research, education and governance.
“We are delighted to welcome Geoff as SPHERE’s Independent Chair. He brings an exceptional breadth of experience across the health and research sector, together with a strong understanding of how universities, health services, medical research institutes, and Research Translation Centres (RTCs) work together to improve health outcomes. His leadership and strategic insight will be invaluable as SPHERE enters its next phase.”
Looking ahead to his new role, Professor McColl welcomed the opportunity to work with SPHERE’s partners and build on the organisation’s strong foundations.
“SPHERE brings together an impressive network of health services, universities and research organisations with a shared commitment to translating research into better health and healthcare. I am very pleased to be joining SPHERE at this important point in its development and look forward to working with its partners to help strengthen its impact.”
Professor McColl succeeds Professor Cheryl Jones. Professor White acknowledged Professor Jones’ contribution to SPHERE and thanked her for her leadership and commitment to the organisation.
“I would also like to sincerely thank Cheryl for her leadership and contribution to SPHERE during her time as Chair. Her commitment to SPHERE and to strengthening collaboration across our partnership has been greatly valued, and we are very grateful for the experience, insight and guidance she brought to the role.”