University honours inventor of Neocot
THE man who invented a lifesaving medical transport device for critically-ill infants will be remembered as someone dedicated to making the world a better place.
Former University of Southern Queensland staff member Emeritus Professor John Grant-Thomson died on September 13 aged 82.
The university said Prof Grant-Thomson was a “giant of medical and electrical engineering”, whose major achievement in his distinguished career was the invention of the Neocot.
The Neocot is an intensive care system to transport critically-ill neonatal and paediatric infants from their birthplace to a major hospital for specialist management.
First used in 2000, the device is now used to transport hundreds of babies every month in all Australian states and territories, as well as Norway and Sweden.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said Prof Grant-Thomson’s academic contribution to biomedical engineering was undeniable, but it was his dedication to making the world a better place that was truly inspiring.
“John Grant-Thomson sought and found the true meaning of invention,” Prof Mackenzie said.
“Even after his retirement from the university in 2003, as an honorary Professor John remained passionate about teaching the next generation and mentoring students to help them reach their potential.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends and I hope they find comfort in reflecting on the countless lives he impacted for the better.”
Prof Grant-Thomson joined the University of Southern Queensland in 1970, earning a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), a Master of Science (Biomedical Engineering), and Doctor of Philosophy (Electrical Engineering). He was appointed Chair and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the university in 1996.
“The Neocot itself was designed while he was working with engineering students at the University of Southern Queensland in 2000,” Prof Mackenzie said.
“This development flowed from another of his inventions, the MIRF (Mobile Intensive Care Facility) developed for the Australian military.”
In the 1960s, Prof Grant Thomson was part of the NASA team that established the Toowoomba Cooby Creek Tracking Station to research experimental satellite communication systems.