Professor John Coghlan, AO, has been Executive Director of the Menzies Foundation since April 1998. He was associated with the Howard Florey Institute for more than 40 years. He was Assistant Director of the Institute from 1971 to 1976, Deputy Director from 1976 to 1989 and Director from 1990 to 1996.

Professor Coghlan has an impressive record in medical research and scientific administration.  He was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Melbourne, Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Medical Research Committee of the National Health & Medical Research Council with his involvement with NHMRC spanning more than 25 years.

He has also served on the Council of the Museum of Victoria, on the Board of the Australian Ballet School and on the Australian Ballet Development Corporation, which built the new home for the company's school.

In the 1997 Australia Day Honours list, Professor Coghlan became an Officer of the Order of Australia (General Division) in recognition of his service to scientific and medical research, particularly in the field of endocrinology, and to the Arts.

(March 2004)