Dr Christine Bennett named new chair of Research Australia

Research Australia today announced the appointment of Dr Christine Bennett as its new chair.

Currently a board member of Research Australia, she was formerly the CEO of the organisation between 2003 and 2006, and director between 2006 and 2008. She is presently the chief medical officer with healthcare provider Bupa Australia.

Formed in 2000, Research Australia is an influential national alliance of 160 universities, research institutes, industry, philanthropic and community organisations with the united goal of establishing health and medical research as a key national priority. The organisation is credited with having succssfully broight about the growth of funding for Australian health research.

“Our next major challenge is to ensure we protect and build upon the gains of the past ten years, and ensure we fully realize the benefits in terms of improvements to community health,” Dr Bennett said.

She replaces outgoing chairman Dr Chris Roberts, CEO of Cochlear, who led Research Australia for six years.