AAMRI Launches new state chapter in Western Australia

Western Australia’s world-class medical research institutes have joined forces to form a new state chapter of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI).

AAMRI WA was officially launched by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Medical Research, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA, at a gala dinner in Perth last week.

The WA chapter represents the state’s six independent medical research institutes – the Telethon Kids Institute, Harry Perkins Institute, Lions Eye Institute, Perron Institute, Ear Science Institute and the Institute for Respiratory Health.

Collectively, AAMRI WA member institutes have a workforce of almost 2,000 staff and students and spend more than $163 million a year on medical research.

The inaugural Chair of AAMRI WA is Professor Jonathan Carapetis AM, who is also the current President of AAMRI and Executive Director of the Telethon Kids Institute.

“The creation of AAMRI WA marks an exciting new chapter for medical research in Western Australia,” Professor Carapetis said.

“Our state has a proud history of producing world-leading medical researchers, from Fiona Stanley to Barry Marshall and Fiona Wood.

“Our institutes are now fostering a new generation of leaders in health and medical research, while attracting the best and brightest talent from overseas.”

Professor Carapetis said supporting and investing in medical research was crucial to diversifying the Western Australian economy beyond the resources industry.

The WA government has shown its commitment to growing the sector with the creation of the Medical Research ministerial portfolio and the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund.

“AAMRI WA will present a unified voice for the state’s medical research institutes, and ensure there is greater collaboration between them,” Professor Carapetis said.

“AAMRI WA will also advocate for advancements in policy and investment in medical research, and serve as a trusted source of information on issues related to the sector in Western Australia.”

The activities of AAMRI WA will be supported by state chapter manager, Frances Bell.

Media Contact: Frances Bell, 0418 669 212 frances.bell@aamri.org.au.