The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) has announced Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin as the new Institute Director for the next five years.
Professor Kay-Lambkin is a registered Psychologist and an award-winning mental health researcher with over 20 years of experience in the university sector.
She has over 10 years of experience in research leadership, most recently holding the positions of Head of School of Medicine and Public Health and Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Newcastle.
In addition, she is chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Women in Health Science Committee and a member of the NHMRC Research Committee.
Professor Kay-Lambkin said she felt privileged to take on the leadership role.
“Having spent many years as an HMRI researcher, I know HMRI’s importance to Newcastle, the Hunter and our communities,” she said.
“My time outside our region has demonstrated to me that the impact of HMRI is global, and it has a stellar reputation across Australia and internationally.
“Our work delivers high-quality research that results in real-world health benefits in real-time.”
Professor Kay-Lambkin said her appointment was an opportunity to pay forward the investment and support the region had shown her over her career.
“I have experienced first-hand the transformative effect that donors have on our research,” she said.
“A HMRI donor changed the course of my work at a time when I was considering a career change, so it is extra special that I am now in a position to work with the many supporters and donors of HMRI and bring more of those opportunities to our researchers.”
Professor Kay-Lambkin’s work on the comorbidity of mental health and drug use disorders has received more than $30 million in successful research funding, leading to new treatments and better patient outcomes.
HMRI Chair Kyle Loades was delighted with the appointment of Professor Kay-Lambkin and said that a local person was the clear standout from a strong international field of applicants.
“Frances is a leading national and international research professional,” Loades said.
“To have such a strong candidate who is also so well known to HMRI and the Hunter region is an amazing win for us all.”
“HMRI’s purpose is to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities, and Professor Kay-Lambkin has embodied this mission throughout her stellar career as a researcher and advocate for mental health and research.”
Professor Kay-Lambkin will officially commence her new role in late May, taking over from current Director Professor Mike Calford.
“The board and I are so grateful to Mike for his outstanding leadership of HMRI during the unprecedented challenges of the ongoing pandemic,” Loades said.
“Mike leaves HMRI with an incredible legacy of achievements and in an even stronger position than when he took the reins.
“I know that Mike is keen to enjoy his well-earned semi-retirement and his other commitments to education and research, and we all wish him the best of luck for the future.”
Maia O’Connor