Emeritus Professor Peter Hartmann changed the lives of countless families through his work around the biochemistry of breastmilk, mammary gland anatomy, breastmilk secretion and removal. Prior to his work, many aspects of human lactation were unknown, which led to misinformation, inadequate support and a situation where few countries were meeting the World Health Organisation recommendations for breastfeeding. Although there is still much to be done to translate evidence into practice and transform health policy to improve support, Peter has inspired generations of scientists to follow in his footsteps, and influenced countless health professionals.

Although there is still much to be done to translate evidence into practice and transform health policy to improve support, Peter has inspired generations of scientists to follow in his footsteps, and influenced countless health professionals.

Raised in rural New South Wales, Peter undertook his PhD at the University of Sydney from 1963-1966 with Alick Lascelles in the WG Whittlestone research unit. He then completed postdoctoral studies at John Folley’s laboratory in Reading, UK and further research with David Kronfeld at University of Pennsylvania. His original field was the study of animal lactation in cows and later sheep, which then led him to the University of Western Australia in 1972 where he directed his skills towards human lactation. Despite incredulous reactions from other scientists, this became his passion for 50 years.

His work drew the attention of Swiss company Medela AG, who commenced a research partnership with Peter and UWA that recently celebrated 25 years. Research outcomes of this collaboration led to improved product designs which have assisted many women to sustain breastfeeding. The research lab that Peter established now continues under the leadership of Professor Donna Geddes UWA GradDipSc '99, PhD '05 as the Geddes Hartmann Human Lactation Research Group. Donna became hooked on the study of breastmilk when Peter offered her a chance to use her ultrasound skills to study the lactating breast, and subsequently completed her PhD under Peter’s leadership.

Image: Emeritus Professor Peter Hartmann AM with his daughter, Dr Melinda Boss UWA PhD '21.

Emeritus Professor Peter Hartmann also held many leadership positions at UWA, including Head of Biochemistry and Dean of Faculty of Science. He was actively involved as President of the Nutrition Society of Australia (1993-1996) and President of the International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation. He also received many accolades including the Macy-Gyorgy Award 2006, Rank Prize for Nutrition 2010 and was made Member of the Order of Australia in 2012. 

Peter was also actively involved in the establishment of the Perron Rotary Express Milk bank at King Edward Memorial Hospital, which has helped countless premature babies receive screened donated breastmilk. Peter’s son, Dr Ben Hartmann UWA BSc '94, BSc(Hons) '95, PhD '03 was the inaugural director of the breastmilk bank (2005-2019) and together their research studies created standards for breastmilk banks in other parts of Australia and globally.

Peter’s daughter, Dr Melinda Boss UWA PhD '21 is a pharmacist and became inspired by her own experience of motherhood to apply her skills to lactation research. She developed LactaPedia, an online glossary of breastfeeding terms and LactaMap, an online lactation care support system for GPs and other health professionals, with the generous support of the Family Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation and the Rotary Club of Southern Districts. Peter was involved in both projects and was very proud to see both his children complete their PhDs.

Melinda is now leading breastfeeding education initiatives across the health professional curricula at UWA and providing evidence-based reassurance for the community regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccination and breastfeeding.

Known as a scientist, innovator, mentor and friend, Peter graduated over 60 PhD students and countless Masters and Honours students. He cared for his students and inspired them with his passion for research, his values and his integrity. He will be missed by colleagues around the world.

With thanks to the Hartmann family, Dr Leon Mitoulas BSc '94, BSc(Hons) '95, PhD '01 and Professor Donna Geddes for sharing Peter’s achievements and the many friends, colleagues and members of the wider community who have shared memories and expressed their condolences.

MEDIA REFERENCE:

Kate McKenzie (Development Officer – Health and Medical Sciences)     08 6488 8542