We honour the life and legacy of Dr Mark Fear, a scientist whose work in burn injury, wound healing and fibrosis has transformed both science and patient care.
After graduating from the University of Oxford and earning his PhD from the University of London, Mark conducted research at leading institutions including Northwestern University and the University of Western Australia (UWA). He was a Senior Scientist at the Fiona Wood Foundation and an Associate Professor at UWA’s Burn Injury Research Unit. He played a central role in establishing UWA’s basic science – Burn Injury Research Unit, in burns and scarring.
Over his career, Mark authored more than 130 peer-reviewed publications and secured extensive competitive grant and philanthropic research funding. His work led to advances in wound treatment and scar reduction. He was a respected speaker at international conferences and a reviewer for journals and the NHMRC.
A mentor of quiet strength and commitment, Mark supported the development of future scientists and clinicians. He guided and encouraged dozens of research students, many of whom now lead important work in science and medicine. His collaborative approach brought together researchers from universities, hospitals and industry to progress burn and wound healing research.
He worked closely with Fiona Wood, united by a shared focus on improving outcomes for people recovering from burn injury. In the lab, he led by example — encouraging those around him to think critically, to aim high and stay focused on work that would make a difference. Students and colleagues will remember his insight, curiosity and the care he brought to each project and conversation.
Remembered not only for his scientific work, but for his humility, humour and steady presence, his impact lives on through the people he mentored, the partnerships he built, and the contribution he made to research and care.
Mark was and always will be part of our burn family. We will miss him.
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