Vale Dr Les Erdi OAM

Dr Les Erdi OAM

The Monash University community was saddened to learn of the passing of friend and long-time supporter, Dr Les Erdi OAM (HonLLD 2010) on Australia Day.

Together with his wife Eva, Dr Erdi showed tremendous philanthropic commitment to the University’s research endeavours particularly in the areas of regenerative and neurological medicine, public health and the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ed Byrne AO said that Dr Erdi was an exceptional man.

“Les was a truly inspiring and dynamic man. His contribution to advancing scholarship and encouraging superlative research will continue to resonate for many years to come,” said Professor Byrne.

“He was deeply committed to, and passionate about, empowering young people to reach their full potential to contribute, through their research, to the problems faced by humanity.”

Dr Erdi’s focus on helping young people is exemplified by his relationship with Professor Peter Currie, deputy director of the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute.  They have worked to successfully bring together a group of outstanding young scientists whose work focuses on understanding the regenerative power of zebrafish.

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Professor Christina Mitchell said Dr Erdi’s generosity has made a substantial contribution.

“The philanthropy of the Erdis has had a double impact. Their donations have developed and enhanced the careers of talented scientists, particular those young scientists who they believed would be future leaders in their field. Les was also particularly passionate about the value of truly novel ideas, and their capacity to change people’s lives.  Consequently the Erdi’s philanthropy is supporting research work that aims to bring about healthier lives for the Australian community, and for the generations that follow us.  His enthusiasm and passion for science will be much missed,” said Professor Mitchell.

Dr Erdi became well known as a hotelier.  His Erdigroup began in the 1980s when he and Eva bought property in Swanston Street, Melbourne.  In the 1990s and 2000s Erdigroup expanded with the Grand Hotel Melbourne, the Four Points by Sheraton in Geelong and the Urban Hotel Group.

Dr Erdi was the driving force behind the creation of the Australian’s History Initiative on the Sandridge Bridge in Melbourne.  Mr Erdi cited the restoration, which pays homage to the country’s immigrant and Indigenous population, as one of his proudest achievements.

Dr Erdi was named Victoria’s 2011 Senior Australian of the Year.  In 2008 he received a Medal of the Order of Australia “for service to the community through philanthropic contributions to educational, charitable and Jewish organisations”. He also received the Centenary Medal in 2001. 

You can help to continue Dr Erdi’s legacy by supporting regenerative medicine research at the Giving to Monash website.