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The University of Western Australia extends its deepest sympathy to family, friends and colleagues of Geoffrey Shellam, UWA Professor of the School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Co-Director of The Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, who has passed away at the age of 71.

Professor Shellam was well respected internationally in the fields of science and medicine. He completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in microbiology and biotechnology at the University of Melbourne, where he also undertook a PhD in immunology with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medicine.

Professor Shellam then worked at the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories before receiving a Royal Science Fellowship which allowed him to study tumour immunology as a post-doctorate student at a university in London.

He won the prestigious Eleanor Roosevelt International Cancer Fellowship to research at the National Cancer Institute in Maryland, USA before coming to The University of Western Australia as a Post-doctoral Fellow in 1977 and going on to become a Professor of Microbiology in 1985.

Professor Shellam was also a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists in the United Kingdom and Director of the Master/Graduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases Program.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson said the University was saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Shellam, who made a significant contribution to international research and to UWA.

“Geoffrey was an extraordinary member of the UWA community who will be remembered for his significant work, particularly in the areas of infectious diseases, microbiology, and pathology,” he said.

“Our sincere condolences go to Geoffrey’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

To commemorate Professor Shellam’s exceptional lifelong commitment to improving human health, the Shellam family, friends and colleagues, have launched the Shellam Fund for Research in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Shellam Fund for Research in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at UWA.
www.campaign.uwa.edu.au/give-now/shellam/

The Funeral Service for the late Prof. Geoffrey Randolph Shellam of Nedlands will be held at the Winthrop Hall, University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Crawley at 10.30am on Thursday (9.7.2015).

At conclusion of the Service a Private Interment will be held.

Media references

Jess Reid (UWA Media)             (+61 8) 6488 6876