New head for NHMRC

Immunologist and virologist Professor Anne Kelso AO has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and will take up the position in April.

Kelso has a distinguished career in medical research and an impressive track record in immunology and influenza research.

She obtained a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and PhD from the University of Melbourne and has developed significant global health experience and networks through her work with the World Health Organization (WHO).

As director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Kelso worked on surveillance and vaccine policy relating to pandemic viruses and provided technical advice to ministers of health throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

She also runs a small lab at the Peter Doherty Institute for Immunity and Infection - at the University of Melbourne - pursuing work on fundamental aspects of T cell immunology.

Kelso will succeed Professor Warwick Anderson AO as the NHMRC’s chief executive officer.