New expertise joins FHRI Fund Advisory Council as Fund enters next phase

Two new members have been appointed to the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Advisory Council as Western Australia’s flagship research and innovation fund moves into its next phase of delivery.

The Minister for Medical Research, the Hon. Stephen Dawson, has appointed Professor Dan McAullay and Ms Marie Smyth for a two‑year term.

Together, these appointments strengthen the Advisory Council’s capability across research excellence, Aboriginal health, innovation and translation — areas central to the delivery of the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025–30.

The new members join the Council as the FHRI Fund continues to progress strategic investment under the Strategy, with the next FHRI Fund Open Day to be held soon.

Strengthening research and Aboriginal health expertise

Professor Dan McAullay brings deep experience in Aboriginal health research in Western Australia.

Currently Dean, Kurongkurl Katitjin at Edith Cowan University, Professor McAullay leads Aboriginal research strategy and capability development, working closely with researchers, communities and institutions across the State.

His career spans senior research and leadership roles at Edith Cowan University, The University of Western Australia, WA Health and the Telethon Institute, where he has worked at the intersection of research, health services and community to improve outcomes and inform decision‑making.

Professor McAullay’s appointment fulfils the statutory requirement for the Advisory Council to include expertise relating to the health of Aboriginal people living in Western Australia, strengthening culturally informed strategic advice to the Minister.

Driving innovation and translation

Ms Marie Smyth brings a strong background in innovation, technology‑enabled capability and commercial leadership, with experience spanning health, science and advanced computing.

She is currently Vice President, HPC Solutions at DUG Technology, where she leads global strategy, commercial growth and major cross-sector partnerships spanning government, industry, research and academia. Ms Smyth has held senior executive roles across technology, software, health and life sciences, including earlier clinical experience within the WA health system. She also contributes to governance and research translation as a Board Director of the Perron Institute and an Advisory Board member at Curtin University.

Her appointment strengthens the Advisory Council’s expertise in innovation, commercialisation and translating research capability into real‑world impact, aligned with the objectives of the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025–30.

Guiding long‑term impact

The FHRI Fund Advisory Council provides independent advice to the Minister for Medical Research on the strategic direction, governance and investment priorities of the FHRI Fund.

The Council plays a critical role in ensuring the Fund delivers long‑term benefits for Western Australians through high‑quality health and medical research, innovation and translation into practice.

About the FHRI Fund

The Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund provides a secure source of funding to support health and medical research, innovation and commercialisation that benefits all Western Australians.

Since its establishment in 2020, more than $282 million has been awarded to more than 810 recipients, with a further $292 million to be invested over the next four years to support new programs and initiatives aligned with the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025–30.