Highly distinguished and respected medical researcher Professor Anne Kelso AO has been reappointed as CEO of the Australian Government’s leading health and medical research agency for a further five years—until 2023.
Professor Kelso was first appointed CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in April 2015 and has performed an outstanding role in leading the Council’s main agenda – working to build a healthy Australia.
Professor Kelso has continued to successfully deliver on strategic investment in health and medical research, providing evidence based health advice and advice on ethical practice and the conduct of medical research.
I congratulate Professor Kelso on her reappointment and look forward to continuing our strong working relationship.
The NHMRC plays a critical national role in supporting research needed to address the current and future health issues in Australia.
These range from the acute challenges of today—cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and others—to the probable threats of the future.
Professor Kelso said the NHMRC has a big agenda for the next few years, including implementation of the new grant program that I announced last May, new developments in its peer review processes, and initiatives to improve gender equality in health and medical research.
“I welcome this re-appointment and appreciate that the Minister has given me the opportunity to oversee this agenda, and to continue working with the Government to foster Australian health and medical research through NHMRC and the Medical Research Future Fund,” Professor Kelso said.