JCSMR staff join Academy of Health and Medical Sciences

9 April 2015

Professor Simon Foote, Director of the John Curtin School of Medical Research, has been appointed to the council of the new Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

Professor Chris Parish was elected a Fellow of the Academy and is on a selection committee for new Fellows.

The Academy has been established by the leading health and medical science minds across Australia.

Professor Foote said the Academy would be an independent voice on medical research and would advise government and other agencies on medical research policy.

"There is also a dearth of clinical academics, a career that used to be popular but for many reasons has fallen into decline. This has significant consequences on the health system," Professor Foote said.

"The Academy will have a mentor program using its Fellows as mentors and upcoming clinical leaders as mentees."

Professor Parish said he was delighted and honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Academy.

"I look forward to assisting the Academy in promoting medical research and the translation of research findings into the clinic," Professor Parish said.

The Academy was launched by Health Minister Sussan Ley at a ceremony at Parliament House.

The Academy was established by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Group of Eight universities, and the Australian Department of Health.