Vlado Perkovic appointed as new Executive Director, Australia

He’s published over 80 articles, and presented world-first research findings in more than a dozen countries. He has led numerous research projects, analysis and clinical trials and treated hundreds of patients, but Professor Vlado Perkovic is set to take the biggest step in his career, as the newly announced Executive Director of The George Institute Australia.

A hard man to catch, Professor Perkovic regularly visits the India and China offices, as he leads a team of over 100 researchers conducting many studies across the world. The new role however, will see him focused on the operations of the Institute’s largest team based in Sydney, Australia. “We really are doing well in Sydney, I feel very fortunate to be able to work with such a skilled team with a strong track record. I see my role as ensuring continued growth and incredible outputs, and cementing our place as a centre of global excellence,” he said.

“In Sydney, we are focused on research that is vital for the future health of Australians including disadvantaged groups, and research that produces globally relevant results. In our 12 year history we have delivered some of Australia’s most important research findings, that have helped clinicians and policy makers better understand how we can improve life expectancy and quality of life”, he added.

The Executive Director Australia is a new position, created as a result of establishing the Australia operation as a distinct entity within the global organisation. The role will be strongly linked with Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney, with whom the Institute is affiliated and will foster excellence in research, teaching and policy development.

Vlado joined The George in 2003 as part of the then Heart and Vascular Division. His background in nephrology meant he was well placed to lead research that aimed to better understand both the cardiovascular risk associated with chronic kidney disease, and the impact of interventions that might mitigate this risk.

Since this time, Vlado has developed a focus on large scale clinical trials and meta-analyses, using his skills to undertake research that has helped improve our knowledge about the management of people with kidney disease. He has also bee involved in the development of clinical practice guidelines in Australia and globally. His previous roles at the Institute include Co-Director of the Renal Division and Executive Director of George Clinical. Vlado is deputy chair of the Scientific Committee of the Australasian Kidney Trials Network.