July 24, 2019

IRU appoints new health and medical research Fellow

The Innovative Research Universities (IRU) network is intensifying its focus on health and medical research with the appointment of a new IRU Vice Chancellors’ Fellow for Medical Research.

Brendon Douglas, previously the Director of Research at Charles Darwin University, will provide high level coordination and strategic advice to the seven IRU universities, as well as technical guidance, Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) insights, and other support across shared IRU interests.

He will be working 0.5 FTE for the IRU, while also retaining his ongoing position as Deputy Director of Menzies School of Health Research.

Brendon brings experience in executive and senior leadership, developed through senior positions held in academic, private sector and community institutions. His expertise includes strategy, government relations, partnership brokering and business development. He is also an International Fellow at Oxford Academic Health Partners.

The new role officially begins this week, with Brendon continuing to be based in Darwin.

Commenting on his appointment, Brendon Douglas said:

“I look forward to making a contribution as an IRU Vice Chancellors’ Fellow. It is a wonderful opportunity to support IRU universities raise further our contribution to health and medical research outcomes.

“The IRU members’ undertake research that is focused on learnings that improve health outcomes, aligning with the priorities of the Government’s MRFF initiative.

“The Fund is a major investment boost and IRU members are well positioned to benefit, given their internationally recognised capability in health and medical research excellence and impact.”