Dr. Tony Burgess to step down as LICR Melbourne Branch Director in 2009
Dr. Tony Burgess, Founding Director of the LICR Melbourne Branch
After more than a quarter of a century of exemplary governance, Dr. Burgess has announced that he will resign as Director of the LICR Melbourne Branch. For several years, Dr. Burgess has been a leading advocate for the creation of a comprehensive cancer centre in Victoria, negotiating with the State Government of Victoria and multiple hospitals and research institutes in Melbourne. Following the Victorian Government’s commitment to support the development of a proposal for the Parkville Comprehensive Cancer Centre (PCCC), Dr. Burgess wishes to step down as Director to allow his successor the opportunity to have an early and direct hand in shaping what will clearly influence the next era of LICR in Melbourne.
The Founding Director of the LICR Melbourne Branch, Dr. Burgess’ inspired leadership has overseen its growth to become the Institute’s largest, and one of the Branches most involved in the Institute’s global programs. Dr. Burgess will continue at the Branch as Head of the Branch’s Epithelial Biochemistry Laboratory and as director of the LICR Colon Cancer Initiative (see accompanying NewsLink story). He will also act as advisor to the Search Committee newly-convened to identify the next Director of the LICR Melbourne Branch (see boxed text).
According to Ed McDermott, President, “This is a logical juncture for Tony to turn over the controls to the person who will have long-term responsibility for making the Branch function effectively within the PCCC. We appreciate Tony taking the initiative and coming forward to recommend this course of action. It reflects his consistent commitment to the best interests of the Ludwig Institute, the Melbourne Branch and the progress of cancer research in Australia. His Directorship and the 28 years of distinguished service it has embraced have brought great attention, credit and distinction to the work of the Ludwig Institute and the contributions it is making in cancer research. We are indebted to Tony and pleased to have the benefit of his continued involvement in the life and the science of the Branch and the Institute.”