Professor Edward Byrne has made important contributions to clinical neurology and neurological research, most notably elucidating the role of mitochondrial failure in common disorders and human ageing. He has had a long engagement with industry through leadership of major academic industry collaborations, development of Neurosciences Victoria and Neurosciences Australia, and Board membership of substantial companies such as Cochlear and Bupa. While Vice-Provost Health at University College London he led the largest aggregation of medical science in Europe. He currently leads academic excellence at Australia?s largest university. As Deputy Chair of the Group of Eight he promotes partnerships between universities, Government and industry.