Partnerships and innovation are the focus of the newly appointed Deputy Directors Research at Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies). 

Internationally-renowned researchers, Professor Louise Maple-Brown and Professor Anna Ralph have been jointly appointed to the role. The pair will lead the development and implementation of Menzies’s research strategy, striving to unlock enduing solutions to health problems that matter. This includes supporting emerging areas of research excellence, enhancing internal and external collaborations, and assisting the translation of research into positive impacts. 

Professor Ralph and Professor Maple-Brown bring a wealth of experience to the role. They’ve both built major research programs in their respective fields at Menzies, and also hold senior clinical roles at Royal Darwin Hospital. Through this work they have maintained strong relationships across northern and central Australia, and internationally. 

Professor Ralph’s research fields encompass global and tropical health and improving cultural safety in healthcare. Through consistent mentorship, she has a strong focus on supporting early to mid-career researchers.

"Attracting and retaining talent in medical research in the Territory, and growing the pipeline of First Nations researchers, requires mentorship and smart approaches," said Professor Ralph.

"I’m excited about the opportunity this role will provide to be able to support the next generation of health researchers to find novel ways to tackle our most pressing health issues," she said.

Professor Maple-Brown established and leads the Diabetes Across the Lifecourse: Northern Australia Partnership. This partnership is built on collaboration with communities to further understanding and care for those living with diabetes across the NT, Far North Queensland and Kimberley regions.

"In my research, I am committed to working in true partnership with communities, health services and policy makers. It’s vital that we work together as partners in setting our combined research priorities, and in designing, implementing and translating all our research," said Professor Maple-Brown.

"Fostering Menzies’s unique position of collaborative leadership in its various research areas is key to ensure our work makes lasting, and positive change."

Professor Ralph commenced the role in February, with Professor Maple-Brown starting this month. The Deputy Directors Research will join the Senior Executive Team (SET). Menzies has more than 40 years in health research and the SET strives to achieve sustainable health improvements through excellence and leadership in research, education and capacity.

To find out more about Menzies’s leadership team and our researchers, head to our website.