New appointments at Research Australia

Research Australia, an alliance of 160 members and supporters advocating for health and medical research in Australia, has appointed four new board members: Professor Nicholas Fisk, Dr Adrian Nowitzke, Annette Schmiede and Professor Ian Jacobs.

Professor Fisk is executive dean of the University of Queensland’s Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and currently chairs the Group of Eight Deans of Medicine Committee. His impressive academic and clinical record has been garnered through roles at University of Queensland, Imperial College London and as a maternal-foetal medicine specialist.

Dr Nowitzke is general manager of health informatics at Telstra Health and has wide-ranging experience in management and advisory roles driving improvements in care and infrastructure. Having worked in private, public and governmental roles, Dr Nowitzke also maintains a practice in spine surgery.

Schmiede began her tenure on the Research Australia Board in mid-2015 and is the executive leader of the Bupa Health Foundation. She brings to the board her wealth of experience in health and aged care sectors, with a broad knowledge and deep understanding of the complex policy and funding environment.

Professor Jacobs is president and vice-chancellor of the University of New South Wales and has extensive international experience in academic, research and clinical roles. With a focus on women’s health, his career has taken him to institutions including the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, the University of London and the Uganda Women’s Health Initiative.

The announcement follows the appointment of Nadia Levin as Research Australia’s managing director and CEO in January this year. Levin was previously a senior executive at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and has held executive positions across the public service, government, media and private sector.

“The reinvigorated Research Australia Board reflects the diversity and strength of our alliance,” said Research Australia Chair Professor Christine Bennett AO.

“We aim together to ensure that health and medical research in Australia flourishes, and delivers better health care, health outcomes and economic prosperity into the future.”