We are greatly saddened by the loss of Professor Glenn Bowes AO, Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics. His visionary leadership, profound commitment to improving the lives of children and adolescents, and great humanity have left an indelible mark on the Melbourne Children’s Campus, the University and the wider community.

Glenn was an adult respiratory physician who made significant contributions to establishing Australia’s first adult cystic fibrosis program at the Alfred Hospital before being recruited to The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) as the inaugural Director of the newly established Centre for Adolescent Health – the nation’s first academic program focused on youth. Under Glenn’s leadership, the Centre rapidly became a powerhouse of innovation, growing from a handful of individuals to a team of close to 100 staff which was well on its way to being not only Australia’s leading academic group but one of the finest anywhere in the world.

Over 16 years at the RCH, Glenn held pivotal roles including Chief Medical Officer, Executive Director, The University of Melbourne Stevenson Chair of Paediatrics and Head of the Department of Paediatrics. He influenced change behind the scenes, pushed boundaries that needed to move, and provided much needed public advocacy for child health. Glenn helped realise a vision for bringing research fields together within the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, he enabled initiatives for Global Health and mentored future leaders in Indigenous health and development.

Glenn moved from the RCH to The University of Melbourne – Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, serving as Associate Dean for Engagement, Deputy Dean, and, upon retiring in 2019, Emeritus Professor. Throughout, he remained deeply connected to and passionate about our Campus. He was a mentor and friend to many and a role model to many more. Glenn treated everyone with dignity and respect. He was as comfortable in the board room as he was on the Mekong River playing Bocce. Glenn would say “Everyone needs their place in the sun”, and thanks to him many of us experienced that, not for ourselves, but for the differences we make to the care we deliver. The reach of his impact is wide and deep.

We extend our deepest condolences to Glenn’s partner Professor Jo Douglass, his children William, Sarah, Matthew, Julia and Charlie – a much-loved staff member on Campus – and to many friends and colleagues who will miss him greatly.