Professor Cheviot (Chev) Kidson

Professor Chev Kidson was a doctor, molecular biologist and medical researcher. He completed his studies at the University of Sydney and was UQ’s foundation Professor of Medical Biochemistry.

As director of Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) from 1978 until 1990, Professor Kidson is credited with elevating Queensland’s medical research to the international realm. Having formerly worked in the US, Professor Kidson was passionate about building QIMR’s portfolio to incorporate global challenges, particularly for neighbouring developing nations. Throughout his time as director, QIMR saw a rapid expansion, with staff numbers in the 1980s more than doubling from 60 to 150. By the mid-1980s QIMR was recognised as the Australian leader in medical entomology and outbreak response.

Following his departure from QIMR, Professor Kidson was professor in tropical medicine at Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. In 2003, he was awarded a Doctor of Science honoris causa by UQ in recognition of his contribution to the development of science in Queensland and internationally. Professor Kidson passed away in 2014.

Awards

Doctor of Science honoris causa
2003