Honoring the legacy of Professor Geoffrey Davidson: a pioneer in paediatric gastroenterology

Professor Geoffrey Davidson, the founding head of Gastroenterology at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and an Emeritus Professor of the Discipline of Paediatrics at the University of Adelaide, was a leader in the field of paediatric healthcare. His passing in 2020 marked the loss of a remarkable clinician-researcher whose contributions transformed the health outcomes of children around the globe.

With a medical and research career that spanned decades, Professor Davidson’s work has had a lasting impact, both nationally and internationally. He was part of the team of researchers who discovered Rotavirus, a viral cause of severe diarrhoea in infants and young children. Until the early 2000s, Rotavirus remained a major cause of gastroenteritis in children under five worldwide. The discovery of this virus led to the development of a life-saving vaccine, which has since significantly reduced illness, hospitalizations, and deaths among young children across the world.

In addition to this groundbreaking work, Professor Davidson was a pioneer in the development of breath hydrogen testing for sugar malabsorption in children. His innovative research not only advanced the understanding of gastrointestinal disorders in children but also improved diagnostic methods, offering families new avenues for treatment and care.

To celebrate and carry forward his extraordinary legacy, the Geoffrey Davidson Gastroenterology Research Development Fellowship was established in his honour. Each year, the Fellowship supports research development activities in non-medical staff working in Gastroenterology at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

The creation of this Fellowship was made possible through the love and support of Professor Davidson’s wife, Marnie, as well as the generosity of his family, friends, and colleagues. Their commitment ensures that clinicians and researchers can continue to publish their work, share discoveries, and stay informed about the latest advances in paediatric gastroenterology. By supporting the development of future clinicians and researchers, this Fellowship allows Professor Davidson’s influence to endure, fostering new breakthroughs and leading healthcare that will positively impact on children’s health.

The 2024 fellow is a nurse practitioner in the Gastroenterology Department of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital since 1999, who was personally selected for her role by Professor Davidson himself. Helen Jurgens (pictured above with Marnie Davidson), who is in the process of becoming a dedicated IBD nurse practitioner, will be using the fellowship to support her attendance at the 2025 Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) conference, where she hopes to enhance her knowledge of new and contemporary practice in IBD management.

Helen shared her gratitude for the opportunity:

“Despite not being part of our Gastroenterology team for several years, Geoff is still spoken of often with much respect and fondness. He was a wonderful, inspirational, and supportive mentor, and I feel very grateful and privileged to receive this fellowship in his honour.”

Professor Davidson’s legacy is one of discovery, dedication, and compassion for the health of children. His life’s work has touched countless lives, and through the Geoffrey Davidson Fellowship, his contributions will continue to inspire and shape the future of paediatric gastroenterology for many years to come.

Geoffrey Davidson Gastroenterology Research Development Fellowship rounds will be advertised on our Research Funding Opportunities page.