Professor Kathryn North has been appointed as the new Chair of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB), a move announced by Federal Health Minister Mark Butler. In this role, she will help set the priorities for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), which allocates $650 million annually for health and medical research across Australia.
Professor North has served as the Director of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) since 2013. She is a physician, neurologist, and clinical geneticist, bringing extensive expertise to her new position. Her contributions to the field include leadership as the inaugural Chair of Genomics Australia, an agency focused on enhancing genomics and facilitating advanced technologies to identify rare conditions in children, thereby enabling timely and personalized treatments.
Significant Experience and Contributions
In addition to her role at MCRI, Professor North is Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health and a former President of the Australian Association of Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI). She has also participated in various government committees, reflecting her commitment to advancing medical research.
In recognition of her service to genomic medicine and medical research, particularly in genetics, neurology, and child health, Professor North was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2019. This honor is one of the nation’s highest accolades, underscoring her significant impact on the field.
With her appointment to AMRAB, Professor North expressed enthusiasm about the potential for enhancing medical research and innovation in areas crucial to national priorities. She stated, “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.”
Looking Forward
As Chair of AMRAB, Professor North aims to contribute strategically to strengthen Australia’s robust health and medical research sector. Her vision emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the need to ensure that research findings translate effectively into practical applications that benefit the community.
This appointment not only highlights Professor North’s leadership in medical research but also signals a commitment from the Australian government to support and prioritize innovation in health research. As the country continues to navigate complex health challenges, her expertise will be vital in shaping future medical research initiatives.
