Professor Kathryn North AC has been appointed as the new Chair of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB). This board plays a crucial role in determining the priorities for the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), which allocates $650 million annually for health and medical research across Australia.
The announcement was made by Federal Health Minister Mark Butler. As the Director of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) since 2013, Professor North brings extensive expertise as a physician, neurologist, and clinical geneticist to her new position.
Significant Contributions to Medical Research
In addition to her leadership role at MCRI, Professor North is the inaugural Chair of Genomics Australia. This health agency is dedicated to enhancing genomic knowledge and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies. These efforts aim to identify rare conditions in children, facilitating timely and personalized treatments.
Professor North also serves as Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health and previously held the position of President of the Australian Association of Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI). Her involvement extends to various government committees and advisory bodies. In recognition of her contributions to genomic medicine and research in genetics, neurology, and child health, she was honored with the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2019.
Vision for Future Medical Research
Upon her appointment, Professor North expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to advance medical research and innovation. She highlighted the growing alignment between the MRFF and the National Health and Medical Research Council, stating that this creates a unique opportunity to connect scientific discoveries with real-world applications more effectively.
Professor North remarked, “With the increasing alignment between the Medical Research Future Fund and National Health and Medical Research Council, there is a golden opportunity to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact more rapidly than ever before.” She looks forward to contributing to AMRAB’s strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening and sustaining Australia’s dynamic health and medical research landscape.
Her leadership role at AMRAB is poised to make a significant impact on the future of health research in Australia, fostering advancements that could improve patient outcomes and enrich the medical landscape nationally and internationally.
