New board appointed to guide nation's medical research
Media event date: 2 April 2026 Date published: 2 April 2026 Media type: Media release General public The Albanese Government has appointed an eminent group of experts from diverse fields to guide Australia’s health and medical research for the next five years. The new-look Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB) will provide advice to the Government on investments through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and help set the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy and Priorities.
The Government previously announced the appointment of Professor Kathryn North AC as the Chair of the AMRAB. Professor Kenneth Smith has been appointed as Deputy Chair. Professor Smith is an expert in clinical medicine, human immunology, scientific research and leadership across Australia, the UK and Asia.
Other appointments include world-leading biomedical researcher Professor Fabienne Mackay; expert and leader in Aboriginal and regional and remote health Professor Louise Maple-Brown; public and patient advocacy expert Doctor Jack Nunn; expert in health systems policy and equity Professor Judith Searle; and expert in public health research and policy development Professor Donald Andrew Wilson AO.
The board will be joined by international advisors Professor Lucy Chappell (United Kingdom) and Professor Tammy Clifford (Canada), to leverage international expertise and enhance its global engagement. The appointments strengthen the AMRAB’s balance and diversity, with expertise across medical research, health systems, health services, financing and investment, as well as commercialisation and philanthropy.
In addition, the board brings together voices from consumer and community sectors, and ensures representation from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, alongside First Nations perspectives. Quotes attributable to Minister Butler: “Australia has a proud record of world‑leading medical research, driven by collaboration, innovation and expert leadership.
“These appointments strengthen our collective expertise and broaden the skills and perspectives that support high‑quality, forward‑looking advice on medical research and innovation. “I extend my sincere thanks to the outgoing Deputy Chair, members and advisors for their dedication and valuable contributions to AMRAB and the MRFF.” The Hon Mark Butler MP Health data and medical research Is there anything wrong with this page?
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