Leading Australia’s Medical Research Future Fund into a new era
Professor Kathryn North AC, a distinguished physician, neurologist, and clinical geneticist, has been appointed the new Chair of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB). The announcement, made by Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, positions North to steer the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) priorities at a critical time for Australian health and medical research. AMRAB oversees roughly $650 million in annual MRFF disbursements across a wide spectrum of health fields, from genomics to public health and clinical medicine.
What this means for MRFF and Australian health research
AMRAB’s role is pivotal: it sets strategic priorities that determine how the MRFF funds innovative research, supports translational science, and drives real-world health outcomes. With North at the helm, there is a renewed focus on aligning scientific discovery with tangible patient benefits and health system improvements. This alignment is especially timely given the ongoing convergence of the MRFF with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), which North describes as a “golden opportunity” to shorten the gap between discovery and delivery.
A distinguished leader with a track record
Director of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) since 2013, North has led a broad portfolio of pediatric research, neurogenetics, and genomic medicine. Her leadership at MCRI has helped position Australia at the forefront of rare disease identification and precision medicine for children. Beyond MCRI, she is the inaugural Chair of Genomics Australia, a national initiative to scale genomic technologies and support timely, personalized treatments. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health and has previously presided over the Australian Association of Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI).
Her vision for AMRAB
North stressed the importance of national collaboration and strategic investment. “With the increasing alignment between the Medical Research Future Fund and NHMRC, there is a golden opportunity to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact more rapidly than ever before,” she said. Her vision centers on ensuring MRFF investments translate into measurable improvements in patient care, health equity, and economic vitality through innovative medical research and patient-centered outcomes.
Leadership across genomics and child health
North’s portfolio underscores a commitment to genomics-driven medicine and the health of children. As the founder of Genomics Australia, she has actively promoted the use of cutting-edge genetic technologies to diagnose rare pediatric conditions and tailor treatments. This background makes her a natural fit for AMRAB at a time when genomic medicine is expanding fast and holds promise for preventative care, early diagnosis, and targeted therapies. Her experience on multiple government committees and her 2019 Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) reflect decades of influence across policy, clinical practice, and research leadership.
What stakeholders can expect
Researchers, clinicians, and policymakers can anticipate stronger alignment between funding priorities and national health needs. North’s leadership is likely to emphasize translational pipelines, faster translation of discoveries into patient benefits, and more robust collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and industry. As AMRAB charts the MRFF’s priorities, her guidance could accelerate initiatives in genomics-enabled medicine, child health outcomes, and other high-priority areas such as chronic disease prevention, mental health, and health system resilience.
Quotes from the moment
Professor North remarked on the appointment as an opportunity to “contribute to the strategic work of AMRAB to strengthen and sustain our vibrant health and medical research sector.” She highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between discovery and impact, and she expressed enthusiasm for shaping a future where innovative research rapidly translates into better health outcomes for Australians.
Conclusion: a strategic step for the MRFF and Australia’s research landscape
With Professor Kathryn North AC as AMRAB Chair, Australia gains a leader renowned for clinical excellence, genomic innovation, and strategic policy oversight. Her appointment signals a strengthened commitment to advancing medical research that not only pushes scientific boundaries but also delivers real-world value for patients and the community. As the MRFF continues to fund high-priority health research, AMRAB’s guidance under North’s leadership is poised to catalyze progress across genomics, pediatrics, and beyond.
