Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), as part of the Melbourne Children’s Campus, is greatly saddened by the loss of Professor Glenn Bowes AO, Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics. 

His visionary leadership, profound commitment to improving lives of children and adolescents, and great humanity has left an indelible mark on MCRI and the broader university community. 

Professor Bowes was an adult respiratory physician who made significant contributions to establishing Australia’s first adult cystic fibrosis program at the Alfred Hospital, followed by the Lung Transplant program.

Image: Professor Glenn Bowes AO. Image courtesy of the University of Melbourne.

He was then recruited to The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) to establish the Centre for Adolescent Health, the nation's first academic program in youth health as the inaugural Professor of Adolescent Health. 

Over 16 years at RCH, Professor Bowes held pivotal roles including Chief Medical Officer, Executive Director, University of Melbourne Stevenson Chair of Paediatrics and Head of the Department of Paediatrics. In the latter role, he provided much needed public advocacy for hospital funding. His innovative leadership transformed adolescent health nationally, and his support helped drive global health initiatives on the Melbourne Children’s campus. 

Professor Bowes moved to the University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, serving as Associate Dean for Engagement, Deputy Dean and Emeritus Professor upon retiring in 2019 – yet he remained deeply connected to and passionate about Melbourne Children’s.

He was a mentor to many and a role model to many more. Professor Bowes treated every individual with enormous dignity and respect. He was equally at home in the board room as he was on the Mekong playing bocce to build academic partnerships. 

Professor Bowes often said, “everyone needs their place in the sun”, and thanks to him many experienced that, including the patients and families for whom we strive to deliver better care.

MCRI’s Esteemed Honorary Fellow in Genomics and former MCRI Director, Professor Bob Williamson AO, remembers Professor Bowes as a quiet, friendly and definitive individual who played an instrumental role in shaping MCRI into the institute it is today.

“Glenn set up the studies on adolescent health, helped with cancer support groups and Very Special Kids, and tried hard to bring together the community-oriented aspects of paediatrics with the more academic studies in basic research,” he said.

“When it became possible to propose, in about 2000, to bring all the research together under MCRI, which is so important now that both genomics and public health permeate so many fields, Professor Bowes was there, arguing for confidence, breadth and commitment to integration and excellence.

“Professor Bowes was liked and respected by all, and I will remember him as a truly modest but deep thinker, who worked (often behind the scenes) for the best combination of the University, Hospital and the Institute,” Professor Williamson said.

Glenn made an enormous impact on the lives of many through his extraordinary leadership, mentorship and compassion. He generously shared his wisdom and friendship, and led by example with dignity, honesty and integrity. His passion for improving the well-being of children and adolescents, and the Melbourne Children’s Campus has gifted a remarkable legacy.

We extend our deepest condolences to Glenn’s partner Professor Jo Douglass AO, his family including Charlie, a much-loved member of Melbourne Children’s, and many friends and colleagues who will miss him greatly.

Written with valued contributions from Professor Amy Gray, Professor Kathryn North AC, Professor Andrew Sinclair, Professor Julie Bines and Professor Bob Williamson AO.