Burnet lures Crabb from WEHI

Melbourne's Burnet Institute has appointed Professor Brendan Crabb as its next director and CEO.

Crabb is currently head of the malaria research laboratory within the infection and immunity division at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.

He is an NH&MRC senior principal research fellow and an international research scholar of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (USA). His laboratory's research interests have included the study of malaria and a number of viruses, focusing on molecular, immunological and epidemiological aspects of these pathogens.

He is currently especially active in malaria vaccine development programs and in capacity building for malaria research in countries where the disease is endemic.

Crabb also has a strong interest in science education and was formerly senior lecturer in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne.

He takes over from Professor Steve Wesselingh, who is now dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University.

"Professor Crabb is an outstanding medical research scientist with significant experience and expertise in infectious diseases of global significance," the Burnet's board chairman, Alastair Lucas, said.

"He has a proven track record in attracting research funding from high profile philanthropic organisations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust.

"As director of the Burnet Institute, Professor Crabb's experience in research and international health will ensure that we continue to be a leader in the south east Asian region especially in the areas of HIV, malaria, hepatitis and bird flu."

He will start his new role in March next year.