Brett Manley appointed Professor of Neonatal Medicine and Director of Neonatal Research at Mercy Hospital for Women

Consultant neonatologist and international research leader Brett Manley has been appointed inaugural Professor of Neonatal Medicine and Director of Neonatal Research at Mercy Hospital for Women.

Pictured: Professor Brett Manley

The University of Melbourne, in partnership with Mercy Health, is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Brett Manley as the inaugural Professor of Neonatal Medicine and Director of Neonatal Research at Mercy Hospital for Women.

This outstanding appointment strengthens the partnership between Mercy Health and the University of Melbourne, ensuring the leadership and development of neonatal research at Mercy Health and the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health within the Melbourne Medical School.

Brett is a consultant neonatologist and international research leader in newborn medicine, particularly ‘newborn respiratory distress syndrome’, the leading complication facing preterm babies. He has led multiple trials addressing newborn respiratory care that have translated to changing practice internationally.

His work has been recognised by publications in leading international journals, and he has received continuous research funding from the NHMRC. In 2023, Brett was awarded the Marles Medal for STEMM 2023, the highest award recognising excellence in research impact at the University of Melbourne. He is also the recipient of a prestigious Dame Kate Campbell Fellowship. He joins us from the Royal Women’s Hospital where he has served with distinction for over a decade as a senior consultant neonatologist and Professor of Newborn Health with the University of Melbourne.

Brett brings a collaborative network of leaders in neonatal research from around the country and the globe. He has built and led his own research team—including PhD students, nursing, allied health, medical and consumer researchers—with great skill, passion and energy.

Mercy Health, the University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal are delighted to have worked in partnership to create this internationally leading appointment. He is a welcome addition to our outstanding neonatal team.

The Melbourne Medical School extends their sincerest congratulations to Professor Manley on this exciting new role and look forward to the advancements in research that will arise from his leadership.