QIMR Berghofer's commitment to improving the health of Queenslanders has been further strengthened with the appointment of child and adolescent psychiatrist and researcher James Scott to lead the Institute's Mental Health Program.
Associate Professor Scott will take on the role in October.
QIMR Berghofer's Director and CEO, Professor Frank Gannon, said Associate Professor Scott would provide strong leadership in the growing area of research.
"As a practicing psychiatrist and a high-performing researcher, James is perfectly placed to lead QIMR Berghofer's Mental Health Program," Professor Gannon said.
"Mental health disorders are the leading cause of disability burden in Australia, with more than 3.2 million Australians living with some form of mental illness.
"That's why we have made mental health one of our four priority research areas at the Institute, with 10 research groups working to expand our understanding of the genetics, biology and social impacts of mental illnesses so we can find better treatments and possibly cures in the future."
Associate Professor Scott said he was looking forward to joining the world-leading researchers at QIMR Berghofer.
"QIMR Berghofer has built a strong program of mental health research over the years and I'm excited to be joining this team of outstanding scientists," he said.
"I'm particularly keen to drive more research that translates into preventing mental disorders and improving clinical practice"
Associate Professor Scott is currently clinical director of the early psychosis service for Metro North Mental Health, director of their research, and leads the Child and Youth Stream in the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research with a joint appointment at the University of Queensland.
His current collaborations with the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research will continue when he joins QIMR Berghofer, and he will maintain his joint clinical appointment and activities with Metro North Hospital and Health Service.
Associate Professor Scott has recently also worked with the Premier's Anti-Cyberbullying Task Force to establish a framework to tackle this social problem.
