As internationally acclaimed palliative care researcher Professor Janet Hardy prepares for her well-deserved retirement, Mater Research celebrates her extraordinary career and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of patients.
Prof Hardy’s dedication to translational research has brought direct benefits to patients, reducing suffering and enhancing comfort for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses.
Director of Palliative and Supportive Care at Mater from 2003 until earlier this year, Prof Hardy has a long career of combining clinical practice with research and was co-leader of Mater Research’s Cancer Program for nearly a decade.
She has made notable discoveries through clinical trials, gaining international acclaim, and was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Palliative Care Queensland this year.
Prof Hardy has been instrumental in implementing and testing innovative drugs and symptom-relief methods, transforming clinical practices. She led medicinal cannabis clinical trials at Mater Research, finding in the MedCan1 trial that cannabidiol (CBD) oil is not better than a placebo. This has led to further trials testing whether the combination of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) provide symptom relief for palliative care patients with advanced cancer.
Professor Phillip Good, Director of Palliative and Supportive Care at Mater and leader of Mater Research’s Cancer Program, has worked with Prof Hardy for many years.
He said she left a lasting legacy, inspiring and training the next generation of clinician researchers in palliative care.
“Her commitment to her research and improving healthcare is unmatched,” Prof Good said.
“She has been continuing to conduct research and submit papers for publication with only weeks to go until she retires.”
Mater Research Executive Director Maher Gandhi said it had been an honour to work with such a dedicated clinical researcher.
“Being a clinician researcher is such a valuable career path, and Janet has been a testament to how much real world change a clinician can achieve when they combine their clinical work with research,” Prof Gandhi said.
“Thank you, Janet, for everything you have achieved at Mater Research. On behalf of everyone, I wish you the absolute best for your much deserved retirement.”
