Brett Gooden

Prince Alfred College mourns the passing of Dr Brett Gooden, a distinguished Old Collegian whose life was marked by scientific excellence, clinical service, and enduring generosity.

After graduating from PAC in 1960, Brett studied medicine at the University of Adelaide, earning his MBBS in 1967. His fascination with aerospace medicine led to groundbreaking research in aviation and diving physiology, culminating in a Doctorate in Medicine in 1972.

Awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, Brett joined the University of Texas Medical Branch as a Visiting Scientist, continuing his studies in human and animal diving physiology. He later accepted a Lectureship in Physiology at the University of Nottingham, where his research into hypoxia earned him a PhD in 1978.

Returning to Adelaide, Brett re-entered clinical practice and established a general practice at Linden Park. He remained active in research and authored several books on aerospace and diving medicine. In recent years, he lectured on Space Medicine for the International Space University.

Brett was also a respected historian of WWII aerospace technology, notably the German vertical take-off rocket Projekt Natter. His book on the subject is considered definitive, and he addressed the Royal Aeronautical Society in London in 2019.

A dedicated supporter of his alma mater, Dr Gooden played an active role in the Prince Alfred College Foundation Scholarship Fund. He established the Brett Gooden Space Science Scholarship, encouraging students to explore careers in science and space. His engagement with scholarship recipients brought him great joy, and he was honoured with induction into the Princes Man Gallery in 2023. A highlight of his life was returning to Princes to be a guest lecturer in space science especially his space suit invention. He also published articles in our Science Journal.

Dr Gooden’s legacy is one of intellect, integrity, and generosity. He gave deeply to his profession, his community, and his school.

Rest in peace, Dr Gooden.