NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia)
Peter Schofield AO has had a successful and extensive career in the field of neuroscience research and leadership. Peter began their career as the Director of the Neurobiology Research Program at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research from 1999 to 2004.
In 2004, Schofield joined NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia) as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. During their tenure, they led the organization through a period of transformative development and change, increasing staff from 120 to 300 and annual income from $8M to $40M. Peter also played a crucial role in rebranding the institute as Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) to align with its updated goals and strategic vision. Schofield held this position until December 2022, and they continue to serve as Senior Principal Research Scientist in an honorary capacity from January 2023.
Throughout their career, Schofield has made significant contributions to the global understanding of brain function, mental illness, and dementia, resulting in top-tier publications, outstanding citation levels, and international leadership. These contributions were recognized through their appointment as a Professor (Conjoint) in the School of Biomedical Science at the University of New South Wales in 2002.
In addition to their work at NeuRA, Schofield has taken on various leadership roles in the neuroscience research community. Peter served as the President of the Australasian Neuroscience Society from December 2019 onwards, representing nearly 1,000 neuroscientists in Australia and New Zealand. Schofield also played a critical role in establishing the Mindgardens Neuroscience Network as a Joint Interim CEO, fostering collaboration between clinicians and researchers to improve health outcomes.
Furthermore, Schofield has contributed to the advancement of medical research institutes at a national level. Peter served as a Board Director and the inaugural NSW Chapter Chair of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) from March 2019 to November 2022. AAMRI represents 59 member organizations and advocates for the sector's interests, which have a significant financial turnover and employ over 20,000 staff and students.
Schofield's work experience also includes their role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Schizophrenia Research Institute from February 2015 to December 2022. Peter successfully consolidated the institute's activities within NeuRA, mitigating the risk of stakeholder and community backlash following the planned withdrawal of government funding.
In 2016, Schofield served as the Interim Director of the NHMRC National Institute of Dementia Research, addressing the lack of leadership and strategic direction in implementing the Federal government's $200M Boosting Dementia Research Initiative.
Schofield's current role is as a Senior Associate at Outside Opinion, where they specialize in providing strategic academic and research development advice in the university and research sector, with a focus on supporting grant funding submissions.
Overall, Peter Schofield AO has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to neuroscience research and the advancement of medical research institutes in Australia.
Peter Schofield AO completed their education in the field of genetics. Peter obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BScAgr) from the University of Sydney from 1978 to 1981. Peter then pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Genetics from The Australian National University between 1982 and 1984. Finally, they achieved a Doctor of Science (DSc) in Medicine from UNSW in 1998.