125 stories for 125 years

Geoffrey Vaughan

Dr Geoffrey Vaughan obtained his PhD from the University of Melbourne in 1961. He was a member of staff at the college for 27 years, until 1986 when he left his position as Dean and became the Director of the Chisholm Institute of Technology until it was absorbed into Monash University, where, in 1990, he became the Deputy Vice-Chancellor. From 1992 to 1996 he was National Manager of the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

During his time at the college, Geoffrey saw a substantial change in the structure of the study of pharmacy. The apprenticeship system was replaced by a course with broader practical and theoretical scientific training to meet the needs of a rapidly changing and expanding profession and industry. After completing his studies, Dr Vaughan joined the staff at the college as a lecturer in Chemistry, senior lecturer and then Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry prior to being appointed Dean in 1979.

Geoffrey admired the achievements of the previous Dean, Nigel Manning, and continued to expand and preserve the research activities he implemented, ensuring the appointed academics were high achievers to maintain the integrity of the college.

After his time as dean, Geoffrey took the position as Director of the Chisholm Institute of Technology from 1987 to 1990. After the Institute merged with Monash, he became Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University until 1992.

From 1992 to 1996 he was National Manager of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) where he helped improved performance standards.

Geoffrey was Chairman of the Cooperative Research Centres Committee from 1996 to 2005.  He has also been a committee member for the Red Cross Blood Service and a Council Member for a number of government and corporate organisations.  Geoffrey is currently a Board member for the Victorian College of Pharmacy Foundation, a Member of the Industry Research and Development Board, a Director of the Institute of Drug Technology Australia Ltd and a Director of Cytopia Ltd.

In 2003, Dr Vaughan was awarded a Centenary Medal for his outstanding service to medical and pharmaceutical research. In June 2006 he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for service to scientific research and development, particularly through contributions to the development of government policy initiatives, to the growth of innovative technology-based Australian companies, and to education as a mentor and supporter of young scientists.

 ‘In the spirit of academia, a good academic wants to impart knowledge and a good student wants to learn – they should be working as a team.’