Image: Professor Sharon Lewin
Burnet Institute would like to publicly recognise the amazing service of Professor Sharon Lewin AO, Professor Peter Colman AC and Professor Christina Mitchell AO, who have all stepped down from the Board this year.
“Burnet is incredibly fortunate to have the guidance of a stellar board,” Burnet Institute Director and CEO, Professor Brendan Crabb AC said.
“In Peter, Sharon and Christina we had, over the longer term, the extraordinary input of three of Australia’s wisest and most accomplished medical researchers and academic leaders.
“Their involvement has made a very big difference to the success of the organisation, in the paths we have chosen and especially in how we brought our research to the benefit of the community.
“I know I speak on behalf of all of the Burnet in saying how very grateful we are for their service.”
Chair of the Burnet Board, Ms Mary Padbury said the three departing Board members are all leading figures in science in Australia and have served on Burnet’s Board for extended periods.
“They have all made outstanding contributions to the governance of Burnet and its current robust standing,” Ms Padbury said.
Infectious diseases expert, inaugural Director of The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, and former Co-Head of Burnet’s Centre for Biomedical Research, Professor Lewin (pictured above) has been a Board Director since 2014.
She is well known for her work aiming to find a cure for HIV, and also better understanding the interaction between HIV and the hepatitis B virus.
“Professor Lewin has also recently been appointed President of the International AIDS Society,” Ms Padbury said.
“Her extensive knowledge of many areas of focus at Burnet was reflected in her thoughtful contributions at the Burnet Board and she has played, with our Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb, a pivotal role in the nation’s response to COVID-19.
“Burnet and Doherty will be seminal partners in the Australian Institute of Infectious Disease and Sharon will continue to contribute to oversight of science at the Burnet.”
Image: Professor Peter Colman
Professor Colman is the former Head of the Structural Biology Division at WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute), and a Laboratory Head there.
His research uses structural biology to study the molecular events preventing or permitting cell death – a process crucial for maintaining good health.
“Professor Colman has served on Burnet’s Board since 2011. Peter also chaired the board of 360biolabs prior to its recent sale to BioAgilytix and was a key contributor to its success. He also served on our Board’s Intellectual Property Committee,” Ms Padbury said.
“Peter has brought his wealth of experience as one of Australia’s most distinguished scientists and contributed with his characteristic modesty, humour and intellect.”
Image: Professor Christina Mitchell
Haematologist and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University, Professor Mitchell has been a Board Director since 2011.
Her work aims to further understand cancer cell proliferation and growth.
“Professor Chris Mitchell, who is Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University, has provided an important link to Monash,” Ms Padbury said.
“She has contributed particularly strongly on strategy, education and ensuring that the focus of our work continues to reflect the burden of disease.”
Burnet looks forward to continuing to work with these three esteemed scientists in other capacities going forward.
