AAMRI begins new era of leadership with Professor Perkovic’s appointment as President

The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) embarks on an exciting new chapter today with Professor Vlado Perkovic, Executive Director of The George Institute for Global Health, Australia taking on the role of AAMRI President.

We are entering an exciting period for medical research with the Medical Research Future Fund – Australia’s new sovereign wealth fund for medical research – on track to meet it’s target investment of $20 billion by 2020.

Professor Perkovic brings a wealth of experience, he has led The George Institute, Australia since 2011, leads major international clinical trials and has been involved in developing Australian and global treatment guidelines. He played a central role in the development of an affordable dialysis system and was a Eureka Prize finalist in 2017.

His broad clinical and research experience combined with his extensive leadership experience make him an ideal President of AAMRI.

“In Australia we are fortunate to have a wealth of research talent, strong infrastructure and an array of forward-thinkers, which combine to ensure that we are delivering the best health outcomes for individuals and communities,” said Professor Perkovic.

“I’ve spent my entire career working towards achieving longer and healthier lives, for people here in Australia and globally. Working with AAMRI, I’m looking forward to ensuring Australia’s investment in health through the NHMRC, MRFF and other programmes leads to better outcomes for all Australians. I am also proud of our international status as a research leader, and am committed to ensuring we continue to grow our contribution.” he said.

Professor Perkovic oversaw the launch earlier this year of a new report commissioned by AAMRI that showed that every $1 invested in medical research gives back $4 to the economy.

“I look at the work being done by Institutes across the sector, including The George Institute for Global Health, and I’m filled with strong sense of pride for the discoveries, new treatments and better outcomes we know we’re achieving for the whole community.”

As well as his position at The George Institute, Professor Perkovic is a Professor of Medicine at UNSW Sydney, and a Staff Specialist in Nephrology at the Royal North Shore Hospital.

Professor Perkovic was formally appointed as President at the AAMRI AGM today, taking over from President Professor Tony Cunningham AO, Executive Director of The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, who has been in the role for two years. AAMRI would like to extend their sincere thanks to Professor Cunningham for his work and dedication to AAMRI for the past two years.