A pioneering scientist and compassionate humanitarian, Professor Alpers was Emeritus Professor of International Health at Curtin University, having joined Curtin in 1999, and Director of the Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research (PNGIMR) from 1977 to 2000 – their second and longest-serving Director.
At PNGIMR Professor Alpers established major research programs in the four major health problems in PNG, namely Pneumonia, Malaria, Malnutrition and Enteric Diseases. He is renowned for his groundbreaking research on Kuru, a disease that only affected people in the Okapa District of Eastern Highlands Province. He was deeply committed to the communities with whom he worked, immersing himself in the lives of the Fore people and earning their trust and respect while unravelling the mysteries of Kuru.
Professor Alpers was a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, the Australian Academy of Science and the Third World Academy of Science. He was appointed an Officer of Order of Australia (AO) in 2005 and in 2008 was awarded Companion of the Papua New Guinean Star of Melanesia (CSM) – an award he was immensely proud of. In 2020 he received the Australian & New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science medal for his extraordinary impact on medical research.
At The Kids Research Institute Australia, which has had a longstanding collaborative relationship with the PNGIMR, Professor Alpers mentored and inspired researchers including Professor Peter Richmond, Professor Chris Blyth, Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham, Associate Professor Hannah Moore, Associate Professor Chris-Brennan-Jones, and Dr Ruth Thornton.
In 2020 Professor Alpers and his partner, Honorary Emeritus Fellow at The Kids, Associate Professor Deborah Lehmann AO, initiated the STARS program (Supporting Training of Aboriginal Researchers & Staff) to build on the strengths and lived experiences of Aboriginal staff, students and researchers across The Kids.
Both highly regarded for their extensive work with PNG communities, Professors Alpers and Lehmann recognised the transformative power that a strong Aboriginal research community has on engaging community and sustaining health outcomes. As the founding donors, their inspirational and generous gift launched this important campaign which continues to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and staff at The Kids.
Professor Alpers’ legacy will live on in multiple ways, including through STARS and the people it supports. If you would like to make a donation to STARS in memory of Professor Alpers, click here.
Our deepest condolences to Deborah and all the family.