- New members appointed to the Council help award millions in research and innovation grants
- $220 million to be allocated in the next four years
- $81.3 million already invested to drive health and medical research and innovation
The State’s Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund has welcomed three new high-profile members to its Advisory Council, as it prepares to invest $220 million dollars in health and medical research, and innovation over the next four years.
The FHRI Fund – backed by the State’s sovereign wealth fund – has seen $81.3 million invested in three years, driving local health and medical research, innovation, and commercialisation.
The Advisory Council plays a key role in determining the strategy and priorities of the FHRI Fund and provides advice to the Minister, and the Department of Health.
The $81.3 million includes more than $5 million invested across three Western Australian universities, to administer scholarships for 22 hospital clinicians to complete a higher degree through research.
To help distribute $220 million over the next four years, and identify where the funds are needed, the new members were selected for their diverse expertise and experience:
- Lesley Nelson who has extensive knowledge in Aboriginal Health matters, and is a widely respected advisor at the national, State and community levels;
- Dr Moira Jean McKinnon who has extensive experience in public health and regional primary care, is appointed as the expert in regional health matters; and
- Jennifer Lawrence who has expertise in business, corporate governance, and the not-for-profit sectors.
John Van Der Wielen chairs the FHRI Fund Advisory Council. The full list of members can be found here: Future Health Research and Innovation Fund – FHRI Fund Advisory Council
Comments attributed to Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
“I’m excited about the high calibre of people we are attracting to the Advisory Council. Together we will make a difference by strengthening the health of Western Australians, while also contributing to the State’s economic sustainability.
“There is nothing more important than improving the health of our community, and I’m proud that the Cook Government is prioritising medical research.
“Western Australia is becoming a global research and innovation hub. We have a forward-thinking agenda, and are working towards being a leader in health and medical research and innovation.”
