Family endowment empowers future clinician-researchers
When Gerry and Suzanne Murphy met as students in the anatomy lab at The University of Queensland (UQ) in the 1960s, they never imaged their love story would one day inspire a scholarship helping the next generation of clinician-researchers.
Today their family’s generosity endures through the Dr Gerald and Suzanne Murphy Travel Award at UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) – a fund designed to help early career clinician-researchers broaden their networks and share discoveries on the global stage.
The 2026 recipient, Dr Duy Duan (John) Nguyen, will use the award to attend an international conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases – the AP/PD 2026 Conference in Copenhagen. There, he will present his research on improving outcomes for patients affected by these devastating conditions.
Championing public health
The Murphy’s story began in 1962 at UQ when Gerry, a medical student, met Suzanne who was studying physiotherapy. After marrying in 1966, they built both a family and parallel careers dedicated to public health. Gerry served as a physician and senior leader in the Royal Australian Air Force, later directing public health policy at the national level. Suzanne balanced family life with a thriving career in physiotherapy, eventually managing her own private practice.
Across their career, the Murphys exemplified intellectual curiosity, professional integrity and a lifelong commitment to service – values they passed on to their three children Catherine, Anna and Andrew.
Turning loss into legacy
In 1995, Gerry died after a short battle with gliobastoma. He was just 52. Suzanne channelled her grief into advocacy, supporting efforts to advance brain research.
When Suzanne passed away in 2022, her children sought a way to honour their parent’s dedication to medicine, science and mentorship. The result was the creation of an endowment that reflects both Gerry’s and Suzanne’s shared belief in the power of education and research to change lives.
Inspiring the next generation
“Our parents started life with very little,” said daughter Catherine.
“They worked hard, loved life and gave back to their community. They had a lifelong love of learning, which they instilled in their children. They both mentored many health professionals over their careers and maintained a keen interest in new medical discoveries and treatments.
“As their children, we decided that the best way to honour them would be to establish an enduring endowment at UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute.
“The Dr Gerald and Suzanne Murphy Travel Award feels like the perfect tribute.”
In honouring Gerry and Suzanne’s legacy, the Murphy family have created something enduring – a gift that keeps curiosity alive and gives future clinician-researchers the chance to change lives.