Professor Peter Gibson stands as a preeminent leader in respiratory medicine and clinical research at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He maintains dual roles as a practicing respiratory physician at John Hunter Hospital and a distinguished clinical scientist investigating the mechanisms and treatment of respiratory diseases. After completing his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of New South Wales and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Newcastle, he established himself as a leading authority in airway disorders. His career has been marked by significant leadership roles including serving as President of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand from 2015 to 2016 and directing the Hunter Medical Research Institute's respiratory research program until 2020.
Professor Gibson's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed understanding and treatment approaches for complex respiratory conditions, particularly through his innovative development of the 'treatable traits' framework for managing severe asthma and other airway disorders. His scholarly impact is evidenced by an h-index of 105 (Scopus 2023) and more than 750 published journal articles that have established new paradigms in identifying inflammatory subtypes of asthma, developing airway biomarkers, and elucidating neurogenic mechanisms underlying refractory cough. His pioneering work on laryngeal dysfunction and related treatments has provided critical therapeutic pathways for patients with chronic cough previously considered untreatable. The implementation of his multidimensional assessment approach for complex airway disorders has significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients with severe asthma, airways diseases in the elderly, and asthma during pregnancy.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Gibson has been instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice through his leadership of the Centre of Excellence in Treatable Traits and the Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma. He has cultivated a robust research environment that has effectively mentored numerous clinical researchers, fostering the next generation of respiratory specialists. His current work with the NEW1000 Study focuses on advancing knowledge of asthma and respiratory disease in pregnancy, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to addressing critical gaps in respiratory healthcare. Professor Gibson continues to shape the future of respiratory medicine through his active participation in guideline panels and his unwavering dedication to bringing research developments into effective healthcare interventions that improve outcomes for people suffering from breathing disorders.
