AAMRI announces new CEO Dr Saraid Billiards

The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) is pleased to welcome Dr Saraid Billiards as their new Chief Executive Officer.  A highly regarded leader, policy maker and researcher, Dr Billiards brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to AAMRI.

Dr Billiards joins AAMRI most recently from the Australian Government’s Department of Health where she was a Director in the Health and Medical Research Office for the past three years – the office responsible for managing the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). This combined with her previous experience working at the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) gives her direct experience working in Australia’s largest funding agencies.

“It’s a privilege to be leading the association that advocates for Australia’s world class medical research institutes. I’m looking forward to representing those institutes, their researchers and staff, and their best interests, to ensure they can continue to do what they do best,” said Dr Billiards.

Previously Dr Billiards led up Strategy and Engagement for Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), a transformative program helping Australian academic institutions achieve systemic change for gender equity.

“Diversity and inclusion are the only ways we can make sure we have the most talented minds working in medical research, and in turn to identify and deliver the best treatments and therapies for patients,” said Dr Billiards.

Professor Kathryn North, AC, AAMRI President, said that she is greatly looking forward to working with Dr Billiards.

“Saraid is a highly regarded leader and strategic thinker, with a diverse background in research and policy, making her a perfect fit for this role,” said Professor North.

Dr Billiards takes over from Dr Peter Thomas, who will be moving to the role of National Manager, Public and Local Affairs at the Heart Foundation.

Professor North said, “It has been a great pleasure working with Dr Peter Thomas as the CEO of AAMRI.  We are all very grateful to him for his leadership, dedication and tireless advocacy for the medical research institute sector over the past six years, and wish him every success in the next phase of his career.”