Celebrating the career of Prof Robert Millar

Following a 60 year career in science Prof Robert (Bob) Millar, Director of the Centre for Neuroendocrinology, will retire at the end of 2024. He joined the University of Pretoria in 2011 to take up the Directorship of the Mammal Research Institute in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. In 2016 he stepped aside from this position to establish the Centre for Neuroendocrinology (CNE), a research entity based in the Faculty of Health Sciences.  The research of the CNE focuses on receptors and hormones, and how they function and can be therapeutically targeted in both normal physiology and disease, with a particular emphasis on reproductive health and hormone-dependent cancers. 

Over the course of his career, Prof Millar has diligently explored, and shed light on, the intricate workings of reproductive regulation in both humans and other animals. With a collaborative spirit and scholarly expertise, he has made significant contributions to the field of neuroendocrinology. His accomplishments in biomedical research are exceptional both in the fundamental discoveries he has made and also in his ability to translate them into clinical practice for the therapy of reproductive health and hormone-dependent diseases.

On the occasion of his retirement, a festschrift (a collection of writings published in honour of a scholar) in celebration of Prof Millar’s career, was organised by Prof Mike Ludwig (Professor of Neurophysiology, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh) and Prof Claire Newton (Deputy Director, Centre for Neuroendocrinology). A symposium, which took place on 2-3 February 2024 at Berg-en-Dal rest camp, Kruger National Park, featured presentations from Prof Millar’s former mentees and colleagues from around the world, as well as those who have collaborated closely with him over the course of his distinguished career. This was followed by the publication of a Special Issue of the Journal of Neuroendocrinology in October 2024 (edited by Prof Ludwig and Prof Newton), celebrating his career with a series of original research and review articles.

Prof Millar’s work has not only enriched academic knowledge but has also inspired countless students and colleagues in the field. As he prepares for retirement, his legacy in the scientific community will undoubtedly continue to resonate.