A world-renowned respiratory virus expert from Queensland's Bond University is fighting for life in hospital after he was revived by lifesavers on a Gold Coast beach at the weekend.
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Professor Christopher Del Mar, 69, was pulled lifeless from the water at Miami Beach by off-duty volunteer surf lifesavers about 5.45am on Sunday.
Surf Life Saving Queensland said Professor Del Mar, who was surfing at the time, only regained consciousness after CPR efforts from lifesavers were successful.
He was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition and on Tuesday his condition was unchanged.
Bond University vice-chancellor Professor Tim Brailsford said the community was in shock.
"Bond University and the global academic community is in shock following the events at the weekend," he said in a statement.
"Professor Del Mar's many friends and colleagues are struggling with the news of the accident.
"At this difficult time, we send our best wishes to his loved ones."
Professor Del Mar was the only Australian invited to participate in the World Health Organisation's swine flu rapid guidelines development in Geneva and has received funding for research in the area.
In late 2008 he was awarded the Rose-Hunt Medal by the Royal Australian College of General Practice in recognition of his outstanding commitment to general practice research.
He has written more than 550 articles in peer-reviewed journals, more than 200 scientific papers and five books.
