Professor Robert J Pierce was the founder of the Institute for Breathing and Sleep. He was the CEO of the Institute until his untimely death in the Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009.
Rob, as he was known to all, was also the Director of the Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Austin Health and the inaugural Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Melbourne.
Rob was involved in most IBAS projects as well as being a source of inspiration and facilitation. He had particular strengths in fostering passion for research and in ensuring that the links between research and clinical work were never lost. At the time of his death he was dedicating significant time and effort to projects addressing respiratory health needs in Australia’s indigenous community.
Rob’s work over the first nine years of the Institute’s existence resulted in IBAS being in a strong position to continue his work and his vision. Rob’s role and contribution to current projects will continue to be recognised through publication and presentation.
Rob’s work is commemorated in a number of ways: the annual RJ Pierce Symposium and the presentation of the Rob Pierce Memorial Award, both as part of Austin Health ResearchFest through the Robert Pierce Grant-in-Aid for Indigenous Lung Health, awarded annually by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and the Rob Pierce Grant in Aid, awarded annually by the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA).
For more information about Rob’s work and life, please see the obituary that was published in The Age newspaper.
Each year in Australia 260 people sustain a SCI, with over half losing full function in their arms and legs (quadriplegia). In addition to the primary disability, there is a very high rate of Obstructive...
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing is abnormal during sleep. There are two main forms of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. For obstructive sleep apnea, breathing is reduced because the airway...
AAMRI ELECTION STATEMENT RELEASED ON 25TH MARCH 2019
AAMRI released its election statement calling on politicians to commit to three main priorities: ensuring the MRFF reaches $20 billion by 2020-21, provide continued strong support for the NHMRC, and develop sustainable and rewarding career pathways.
IBAS DIRECTOR ANNA BURKE UNVEILS HER PORTRAIT AT CANBERRA'S PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Anna Burke had barely got into the swing of her speech at the unveiling of her portrait at Canberra's Parliament House when the ringing of bells caused half her audience to hurry away
NATIONAL STUDY OFFERS HOPE FOR BREATHLESSNESS
A national medication study is aiming to help thousands of Australians who struggle every day with shortness of breath
With your support we will build a life-changing Centre of Excellence in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, improving quality of life and health outcomes for Victorians who struggle to breathe and sleep
© 2019 Institute for Breathing and Sleep. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by Helmut Design | Manage
