- New Chair for Future Health Research and Innovation Fund Advisory Council
- Experienced leadership returns to guide WA's health and medical research future
- Continuity and governance to support next phase of innovation and investment
Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson has announced the appointment of John Van Der Wielen as Chair of the State Government's Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Advisory Council.
Mr Van Der Wielen returns to the role after serving as the inaugural Chair from 2020 to 2024, where he was instrumental in establishing the FHRI Fund's governance framework, investment programs, and early strategic direction.
Mr Van Der Wielen replaces Ms Rebecca Tomkinson, who served as Chair from 2024 to 2025.
Ms Tomkinson played an important role in shaping the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025-30, helping set a clear direction for health and medical research and innovation in Western Australia.
With more than 30 years of leadership experience in the financial services and health sectors, Mr Van Der Wielen brings deep expertise in business transformation, policy development, and strategic investment.
He currently serves as Chairman of Orthocell and as a senior advisor to Appian Capital Advisory LLP and Bridgewest, further strengthening his credentials in commercialisation and innovation.
The FHRI Fund was first established in 2020, as a unique, long-term investment of $1.8 billion in sovereign funding, dedicated to supporting health and medical research and innovation in Western Australia.
More than $250 million has already been granted across more than 750 projects and initiatives, strengthening WA's research capabilities, building new infrastructure and supporting the next generation of innovators and researchers.
To read more on FHRI, visit Future Health Research and Innovation Fund
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook Government welcomes the return of Mr Van Der Wielen as Chair of the FHRI Fund Advisory Council. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the fund into a dynamic platform for health and medical research and innovation in Western Australia.
"During his previous term, Mr Van Der Wielen established a robust governance model, championed investment in research, and oversaw the rollout of programs that have delivered tangible benefits to our community.
"His reappointment ensures the fund remains on a strong trajectory, and I look forward to working with him to continue building WA's reputation as a global leader in health research and innovation.
"I thank Ms Rebecca Tomkinson for her leadership and valuable contribution as Chair. Her role in shaping the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025-30 has helped set a clear path for health and medical research and innovation in WA."
