Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) Director Professor Kathryn North AC has been appointed the new Chair of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB).
AMRAB sets the priorities for the Federal Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), which oversees $650 million worth of annual disbursements for Australian health and medical research across various fields. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced Professor North's new position.
MCRI Director since 2013, Professor North is trained as a physician, neurologist and clinical geneticist and brings a wealth of experience to her additional new role.
Professor North is the inaugural Chair of Genomics Australia, a health agency that amplifies genomics and accelerates the use of cutting-edge technology to help identify rare conditions in children, enabling timely, more personalised treatments. She is also Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health and a former President of the Australian Association of Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI).
She serves on numerous government committees and bodies and in 2019 was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), one of the nation's highest honours, for her service to genomic medicine and medical research spanning genetics, neurology and child health.
Professor North said the AMRAB appointment presented her with the opportunity to further medical research, and innovation in key areas of national priority.
Professor North said, "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.
"I look forward to contributing to the strategic work of AMRAB to strengthen and sustain our vibrant health and medical research sector."
