Two new members appointed to the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Advisory Council
Appointments strengthen expertise in Aboriginal health and innovation translation
Further supports delivery of the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025-30
Part of the Cook Government's work to ensure better health outcomes for all Western Australians.
Two highly experienced leaders have been appointed to the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Advisory Council, strengthening its capability as Western Australia's flagship health and medical research fund.
Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson today announced the appointment of Professor Dan McAullay and Marie Smyth for two-year terms.
Their appointment enhances the Advisory Council's collective expertise across research excellence, Aboriginal health, and innovation and translation, all critical to delivering the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025-30.
Professor McAullay will strengthen culturally informed advice to government, and is a nationally recognised leader in Aboriginal health research, currently as Dean of Kurongkurl Katitjin at Edith Cowan University.
Ms Smyth brings more than 35 years of leadership experience, heading global partnerships spanning government, industry, innovation, and research.
The FHRI Fund Advisory Council provides independent advice to the Minister on the strategic direction and investment priorities of the fund, playing a critical role in ensuring long-term benefits for Western Australians.
Since its establishment in 2020, the FHRI Fund has awarded more than $282 million to over 810 recipients, with a further $292 million to be invested over the next four years.
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The FHRI Fund is a key driver of health and medical research and innovation in Western Australia, and these appointments will help ensure we continue to deliver on our vision of improving health outcomes and building a strong, sustainable research sector for Western Australia.
"Professor McAullay's leadership in Aboriginal health research and Ms Smyth's leadership experience in the technology sector will be invaluable to the Advisory Council.
"The Cook Government is focused on supporting our medical research ecosystem here in WA, and these additions to the FHRI Advisory Council will further support this mission.
