Director of Research appointed
Globally recognised clinical neurologist and translational neuroscientist, Prof Terry O'Brien has been appointed as the new Director of Research for Bayside Health's Alfred Care Group.
He will begin the role in August 2026, following the retirement of long-serving research leader Prof Stephen Jane AO.
Over the past decade, Prof O’Brien’s work at The Alfred saw him initially lead the Alfred Neurology Department and, later, establish Australia’s leading integrated neuroscience treatment, research and education hub, The Alfred Brain Program.
Prof O’Brien has played a key role in shaping the organisation’s research footprint and has an extensive track record of driving impactful research across complex academic health systems.
In 2018, he established the Neuroscience Clinical Trials Unit at The Alfred, which has grown to become the largest clinical trial site of its kind in Australia and a major contributor to national and international advances in patient care.
In announcing the appointment Bayside Health Chief Executive Adam Horsburgh said Prof O’Brien’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for the organisation’s research strategy.
“Prof O’Brien is exceptionally well placed to lead the health service into its next era of research excellence,” Mr Horsburgh said.
“We have extraordinary clinicians and researchers, strengthened infrastructure, and deep partnerships with institutions, such as Monash University.
“His vision and experience will help us accelerate translational research, apply emerging technologies, such as AI, and continue to improve patient outcomes across the community.”
Reflecting on the appointment, Prof O’Brien said he was excited to build on the strong foundations established over the past decade.
“The Alfred is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of health breakthroughs,” Prof O’Brien said.
“We have an unrivalled ecosystem where research, translation and clinical practice come together on a single campus, supported by exceptional talent across all disciplines.
“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and partners to enhance our global impact in translational medicine, health services and public health research.”
Prof O’Brien has also been appointed as Monash University’s next Dean of the Sub-Faculty of Translational Medicine and Public Health within the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (FMNHS).
This alignment between Bayside Health and Monash University further strengthens the shared commitment to advancing world‑leading research and clinical innovation.
Bayside Health also acknowledges the significant contributions of Prof Stephen Jane AO, whose leadership in these roles since 2011 has helped shape a research environment that is nationally and internationally recognised for excellence and impact. He will conclude his roles with The Alfred and Monash University in July 2026.
Prof O’Brien will formally commence as Director of Research in August 2026.
