Chair Kyle Loades has praised outgoing Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) director Professor Mike Calford for his selfless dedication to the organisation.

It comes as the HMRI named Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin to officially step into the role, for a period of five years, in late May.

“The board and I are so grateful to Mike for his outstanding leadership of HMRI during the unprecedented challenges of the ongoing pandemic,” Mr Loades said.

“He leaves with an incredible legacy of achievements and in an even stronger position than when he took the reins.

“I know that Mike is keen to enjoy his well-earned semi-retirement and his other commitments to education and research.

“We all wish him the best of luck for the future.”

His successor, Professor Kay-Lambkin, is a registered psychologist and an award-winning mental health researcher with more than 20 years’ experience in the university sector.

Her innovative work on the comorbidity of mental health and drug use disorders has received more than $30 million in successful research funding and led to new treatments and better outcomes for patients.

In addition to her impressive international credentials, Professor Kay-Lambkin also boasts a decade’s research leadership experience, most recently holding the positions of Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation and Head of School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle.

Mr Loades said he was delighted with her appointment.

“Frances is a leading national and international research professional,” he explained.

“To have such a strong candidate who is also so well-known to HMRI, and the Hunter region, is an amazing win for us all.

“HMRI’s purpose is to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.

“And, Professor Kay-Lambkin has embodied this mission throughout her stellar career.”

The new appointee admitted she felt privileged to take on the leadership role of HMRI.

“Having spent many years as a HMRI researcher, I know how important HMRI is to Newcastle and the Hunter and our communities,” she said.

“Our work delivers high-quality research that results in real world health benefits in real time.

“My time outside our region has demonstrated to me that the impact of HMRI is global.

“It has a stellar reputation across Australia and internationally.”

Professor Kay-Lambkin sees her appointment as an opportunity to pay forward the investment and support this region has shown her over her career.

“I have experienced first-hand the transformative effect that donors have on the research we do,” she said.

“A HMRI donor changed the course of my own work at a time when I was considering a career change.

“So, it is extra special that I am now in a position to work with the many supporters and donors of HMRI and bring more of those opportunities to our researchers.

“COVID-19 has taught us the value of research in responding to the biggest health challenges of our time.

“We need to work together to attract the brightest minds in medical research to our region to ensure we all continue to grow and deliver world-class research and meaningful health impacts.”

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