Mater Research has appointed leading biomedical research Professor Allison Pettit as its new Executive Director.
Prof Pettit has played an integral role at Mater Research since February 2016, serving as Head of Research Strategy and most recently Director of Biomedical Research and Leader of the Bones and Immunology Research Group.
Prior to joining Mater Research, Prof Pettit led a research team at The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), where she and her team made paradigm shifting discoveries demonstrating macrophages promote bone health and fracture repair.
Brisbane-based Mater Research is a recognised leader in research into cancer, mother and baby health, neurosciences, chronic and integrated care and healthcare innovation.
Mater Group Chief Executive Dr Peter Steer congratulated Prof Pettit on her appointment.
"We launched a global search to find the next leader of Mater Research, but Allison was the clear standout candidate,” Dr Steer said.
“She is an incredible researcher in her own right, as well as being an inspirational leader. With Allison at the helm, Mater Research is well-placed to further its impressive contribution to medical research in Australia.”
Prof Pettit has authored articles in more than 80 scientific publications and her current research focus is on the immune system’s influence on bone health and enhancing bone marrow recovery post-bone marrow transplantation.
She will assume the executive director role on 2 January, taking over Prof Maher Gandhi, who is moving to a new position as Chief Executive Officer at the Translational Research Institute (TRI).
“Maher has left Mater Research in a stellar position,” Prof Pettit said.
“It’s a privilege and honour for me to lead our extraordinary team of around 300 staff and students.
“I have first-hand knowledge of the important work they are undertaking across a range of fields and the valuable contribution their discoveries will make to healthcare in Australia and globally.”
Founded in 1998, Mater Research built on Mater’s century-long commitment to scientific inquiry and formalised the integral role research plays in healthcare at Mater.
The institute works closely with The University of Queensland and is based at TRI and Mater’s South Brisbane health campus – the home of Mater Mothers’ Hospital, Mater Hospital Brisbane and Mater Private Hospital Brisbane.
Mater Research is driven by bench-to-bedside philosophy which translates discoveries made in the laboratory into the best outcomes for patients.
